The Last Yankee (1993)
A play by Arthur Miller, performed at the Young Vic, London, with its opening night on 26 January 1993 (previews began 21 January).
Running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (no interval)
Photos
The first four photos show Zoe Wanamaker and other cast members in rehearsal. The remaining photos show The Last Yankee in performance.
With thanks to Nadine for some of these photos.
Overview
Set on the wards of an American mental hospital, The Last Yankee examines the troubled marriages of two patients, Patricia Hamilton and Karen Frick. Patricia's husband Leroy finds dignity in manual labour and, as the father of seven children, places great importance on family life. The childless John Frick is bemused by Leroy's ethos. The play is a dark, thoughtful exploration of American society.
Cast
Leroy Hamilton ... Peter Davison
John Frick ... David Healy
Patricia Hamilton ... Zoë Wanamaker
Karen Frick ... Helen Burns
Patient ... Bethany Hanson
Crew
Director: David Thacker
Set Designer: Shelagh Keegan
Costume Designer: Helen Skillicorn
Lighting Designer: Jim Simmons
Movement: Lesley Hutchison
Sound: Paul Anderson
Dialect: Joan Washington
Assistant to the Director: Deborah Nitzberg
Casting Consultant: Joyce Nettles
Psychiatric Consultant: Dr Sean Maskey
Deputy Stage Carpenter: Fred Ridpath
Graphic Desinger: Jeremy Leslie
Wig by: Ray Marston
Additional costumes by: Melissa Needham
Notes
This was the first production of The Last Yankee performed in the UK.
For insight into her character's struggles in the play, Zoe visited Turning Point to meet people trying to overcome drink, drug, or mental health problems. She was very moved by the experience, and a gala performance of The Last Yankee was held in aid of the charity.
The Last Yankee is the second of three plays by Arthur Miller in which Zoë has starred. It was preceded by a production of The Crucible (1990) and followed by All My Sons (2010).
Press coverage
Writing for Plays & Players magazine, Della Couling praised the 'magnificent performance from Zoë Wanamaker' in The Last Yankee. Positive reviews also came from Paul Taylor and Irving Wardle in the Independent, as well as Ian Shuttleworth for City Limits.
Merchandise
The Last Yankee by Arthur Miller
Most images used on this site are the copyright of their photographer, Ms. Wanamaker, and/or the production company of the show. Use of these images is covered under the fair use limitation in the USA, and the fair dealing limitaton in the UK.
This site is a non-commercial endeavour.