With the “don’t ask, don’t tell” controversy rearing its head again, the York Theatre Company’s new musical about gays in the military couldn’t be timelier, even if it is set during World War II.
Created by brothers Joseph (music) and David (book and lyrics) Zellnik, “Yank!” is an old-fashioned love story delivered in old-fashioned, musical-theater style.
But with a generic, unmemorable score and a barracks filled right from Central Casting, its most original element is the gay romance at its center.
Unfortunately, that relationship — between young, vulnerable Stu (Bobby Steggert, who won warm reviews as Younger Brother in the recent “Ragtime” revival) and the hunky, macho Mitch (Ivan Hernandez) — doesn’t have much emotional weight.
We never really know what makes either man tick, and the inconsistent writing doesn’t help. Mitch is supposed to be in denial and deeply closeted, but he calls Stu “Sweetheart” and gives him an erotic lesson in shoe polishing in front of the other men that makes the pottery scene in “Ghost” look positively demure.
The show’s creators are clearly going for a “Brokeback Mountain” level of emotion, but the overall campiness makes it hard to take seriously. A romantic triangle of sorts is introduced in the character of the openly gay Artie (Jeffry Denman) who, in true musical theater fashion, expresses himself largely through tap dancing. A trio of typists cavorts about like the women from “Gone With the Wind.” And the less said about the dream ballet, the better.
Steggart brings a touching poignancy to his understated performance, Denman delivers some much needed comic energy to the evening, and Nancy Anderson looks good in her period costumes as she ably fills all the female roles — from a Betty Grable-type entertainer to a lesbian secretary — while Hernandez delivers on his role’s beefcake requirements.
But for all its good intentions, “Yank!” doesn’t do its cause any favors.