This May, Luke will be guest lecturing on the Paul Gaugin, a cruise ship specifically for Tahiti. He will be sharing stories from his critically acclaimed memoir, Just Outside the Spotlight on this glorious ten-day cruise. https://tahitibycarl.com/cruise-with-luke-yankee/

The staged reading of the comedy, THE LOVE BITE at the Annenberg Theatre this past Sunday was a triumph! A standing ovation on the curtain call and many people commented it was one of the best things they have seen in the Palm Springs area in years. Best of all, we grossed nearly $9,000 for the Palm Springs Art Museum. The cast, led by the delicious Joyce Bulifant, was marvelous. It’s time to revive this play and give it more of a life!

Writer-director Luke Yankee and beloved actress Joyce Bulifant sat down to talk about their latest project, "The Love Bite." The staged reading takes place at the Annenberg Theater on Sunday, March 2nd at 12 PM, with proceeds benefiting the Palm Springs Art Museum. Video of the discussion at this link: https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2025/02/26/joyce-bulifant-and-luke-yankee-talk-the-love-bite-more-in-palm-springs-weekend-entertainment

One year ago today, the world premiere of MARILYN, MOM & ME closed at International City Theatre after playing to packed houses and rave reviews. Now, as Yankee Hill Productions finalizes the formation of Marilyn, Mom & Me LLC with our entertainment lawyer, we are in discussions with producers on both sides of the pond. Stay tuned!

Luke recently did an extensive interview for Passport Magazine about his life and career. Check it out here:  https://passportmagazine.com/luke-yankee/

The world premiere of Luke Yankee’s Marilyn, Mom & Me at International City Theatre was so successful, the theatre awarded him at their annual gala for his “outstanding contribution to theatre.” This was the first time this honor had ever been given to a playwright. https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/International-City-Theatre-to-Celebrate-Mardi-Gras-With-ENCORE-2024-Gala-Event-20241025

Luke's new play Marilyn, Mom & Me made another headline, this time in Long Beach's own Signal Tribune. The article introduces readers to the all-star cast of the world premiere production at International City Theatre, which begins performances on February 16. Click here to read the full article.

In a great new article on BroadwayWorld, Luke opens up about finding the inspiration to write his new play, Marilyn, Mom & Me. Luke also discusses his choice to direct the world premiere production at International City Theatre in Long Beach, which begins performances February 16, 2024. Read the full article here.

Luke's award-winning play, MARILYN, MOM & ME, will have its world premiere production in February of 2024 at International City Theatre, an Equity theatre in Long Beach, California. Also directed by Mr. Yankee, the cast will include Laura Gardner as Eileen, Alisha Soper as Marilyn, Brian Rohan as Luke and Noah Wagner as Josh Logan.  Performances are Feb. 14-Mar. 3rd.  Tickets and more information are available at www.ictlongbeach.org.

The reading of MARILYN, MOM & ME for the Emerging Artists Theatre New Works Festival was a smash! The house was packed and additional seats had to be added. More than a dozen Broadway producers and investors were in attendance.

Luke will be doing a book signing at the world-famous Drama Book Shop In Manhattan for THE ART OF WRITING FOR THE THEATRE, including a discussion moderated by critic and theatre writer, Peter Filichia. The event will be held on Sunday, October 23rd at 4 pm EST. Details:  https://www.dramabookshop.com/event/the-art-of-writing-for-the-theatre-an-introduction-to-script-analysis-criticism-and-playwriting/

Luke's play, "Marilyn, Mom & Me" has been selected as part of the Emerging Artists Theatre Festival New Works Series. It will be given a staged reading at Tada Studios in Manhattan on Wednesday, October 19th @ 7 pm. Ticket Info:  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5546413

Luke's new book, THE ART OF WRITING FOR THE THEATRE, is now available in paperback, hardcover and online at the following link: buywritingfortheatre.com

Luke's book, THE ART OF WRITING FOR THE THEATRE will be published on August 11, 2022 by Bloomsbury Press/Methuen Drama. It is currently available for pre-orders at this link:https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/art-of-writing-for-the-theatre-9781350155572/?fbclid=IwAR3YwGVsNSq1A7OKcG1ke6PDu1JB-3ecEL3DOZsmzAu9ZhPK2nlV6ov0yhE

Luke was recently named Head of Playwriting at California State University, Fullerton. He will now be taking over all of the playwriting classes there, in adition to teaching script analysis, and theatre critcism. Luke also teaches beginning and advanced playwriting as well as musical theatre perfromance at Chapman University.

Stephen Schwartz, award-winning composer of WICKED, PIPPIN and GODSPELL had this to say about Luke's upcoming book: "Even after fifty years of creating musicals, I found 'The Art of Writing for the Theatre' immensely helpful, especially as I undertake new projects. Luke Yankee's clear and concise analysis and advice, coupled with the insights of the writers he interviewed, seems to me invaluable and inspiring for anyone aspiring to write for the theatre, from beginner to long-time professional."

Luke just released a new trailer for his critically acclaimed play, MARILYN, MOM & ME.

Luke will be directing a virtual presentation of his award-winning and critically acclaimed play, MARILYN, MOM & ME as a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS available online from April 27-March 1st.  The cast includes Broadway veterans Robert Cuccioli, Laura Gardner, Lorrie Odom, Brian Rohan, Alisha Soper and Jordan Mills.  Produced by Don Hill and stage managed by John Pinero, the play will be available on Luke Yankee's YouTube Channel.

Luke's play, "Confessions of a Star Maker" was recently shot on Zoom as a "live" radio play with the students at Cal State Fullerton. This Film Noir story about the dark underbelly of 1950's Hollywood was very well received. Watch a 90-second clip here.

Luke's play, "Marilyn, Mom & Me" is the recipient of the grand prize Sponsor's Award from Southwest Theatre Productions in Austin, Texas. When it is safe to do so once again, Luke will go to Austin to direct the play for potential producers and backers in the area. Stay tuned for more details.

Luke did a stellar interview with renowned New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley for Luke's upcoming book, "The Art Of Writing for the Theatre". The book will be released in the fall of 2021.

Luke just signed a book deal with Bloomsbury Press/Methuen Drama (the largest publisher of theatre books in the world) to write a textbook entitled THE ART OF WRTING FOR THE THEATRE: AN INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPT ANALYSIS, CRITICISM, & PLAYWRITING. The release date will be in the Spring of 2022.

Here's what nationally syndicated critic Rex Reed had to say about Luke Yankee's new play, MARILYN, MOM & ME: "Like two strangers linked by fate on a Greyhound bus, the unlikely personal and professional friendship that developed between vulnerable, lost and emotionally needy Marilyn Monroe and crusty, maternal, no-nonsense Eileen Heckart on the western rodeo set of "Bus Stop" has now been preserved in amber by Luke Yankee as a stirring footnote to movie history you won't want to miss. It's a funny, dark, heartbreaking and unforgettable new play that wraps you in cashmere. 'Marilyn, Mom & Me' is devastating!" --- Rex Reed

Luke Yankee's new play, MARILYN, MOM & ME is getting an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response. After a reading in Long Beach where there wasn't a dry eye in the house, Luke will direct and co-produce staged readings at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood on Wednesday, October 16th and at the Manhattan Theatre Club rehearsal space on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Check out the one-minute trailer here:

Luke is currently directing the Tony and Olivier-award winning play, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at El Camino College in Torrance. Performances are the first two weekends in November at the Campus Theatre, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd in Torrance.

This fall, Luke will be directing the Tony and Olivier Award-winning drama, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at El Camino College.THE STORY: 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

Luke will be directing a production of MATILDA - THE MUSICAL in Manhattan Beach this summer for POPs, where he directed last summer's hugely successful production of SEUSSICAL.

Luke has started work on a new play entitled, MARILYN, MOM & ME. The play chronicles a middle-aged, gay man attempting to deeper understand his "tough-as-nails" actress mother by unraveling the threads of her very intense, short-lived friendship with Marilyn Monroe during the filming of BUS STOP. (But it's all fiction...right?)

Luke's play, CONFESSIONS OF A STAR MAKER (formerly THE LAVENDER MAFIA) has been chosen for The Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez, Alaska, where Luke will direct a reading in June, 2019. the play recently received a reading at the Stella Adler Theatre in Los Angeles starring film and TV veteran, Steven Culp.

Luke's hugely successful production of AVENUE Q at the Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University broke box office records for the School of the Arts and played to sold-out houses.

Luke's latest play, THE LAVENDER MAFIA (about the birth of the gay mafia in 1950's Hollywood) was recently named a finalist in the first Screencraft Play Competition.  Luke's play was one of 25 finalists out of over 700 submissions.  The judges included Pulitzer prize winning playwrights David Lindsay-Abarie and Donald Margulies.

Luke did an interview on the ADVENTURES IN HEALTH podcast where he discussed natural healing and THE MAN WHO KILLED THE CURE, his play about Dr. Max Gerson.

Luke's critically acclaimed memoir, JUST OUTSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT: GROWING UP WITH EILEEN HECKART is now available in paperback through Amazon. With revised material, additional photographs and an afterword, see why Villiage Voice critic Michael Musto called it "one of the most compassionate, illuminating showbiz books ever written' and placed it on his list of the Top Ten Celebrity Memoirs ever written.   For a link, click the book title above.

Luke's play about the aftermath of the sinking of The Titanic, THE LAST LIFEBOAT will celebrate 40 productions in North America by this Spring. This month, Luke goes to Santa Barbara to see production number 35, followed by production number 3 of THE MAN WHO KILLED THE CURE the following weekend at The Dayton Theatre Guild. One of his friends dubbed it "a Lukeapalooza!"

Luke and Don had a wonderful time with Dame Joan Collins at the special, VIP Actors Fund event in October.

Luke Will be directing a large scale production of the Tony-winning musical, AVENUE Q at the beautiful Musco Center for the Arts on the campus of Chapman University, opening Valentine's Day weekend. Ticket info:  https://www.abouttheartists.com/productions/120958-avenue-q-at-musco-center-for-the-arts-2019

Luke just learned that he will be teaching Intermediate Playwriting, two sections of Script Analysis and a class in Theatre Criticism at Cal State Fullerton in the Spring, as well as an online class in Film Appreciation at Citrus College. Between that and directing at AVENUE Q at Chapman University's Musco Center for the Arts, it's going to be a busy Spring!

The FAME 35th Reunion Concert directed by Luke Yankee (and stage managed by Don Hill) received a Broadway World nomination for Best Theatrical Special Event in the LA region. Here is a photo with Luke, Don and the special guest host of the event, Ms. Debbie Allen. The event was a benefit for The Actors Fund which raised lots of money.

Luke's production of A.R. Gurney's LATER LIFE at Coachella Valley Rep was nominated for nine Desert Star Awards, including Best Director (Luke) and Best Production (Comedy).

Luke won two Stage Scene LA Awards as Best Director for his productions of SHIPWRECKED! and CRIMES OF THE HEART, both at International City Theatre, the Equity Theatre in his hometown of Long Beach.

Luke's production of A.R. Gurney's LATER LIFE at CV Rep in Rancho Mirage played to sold out houses and got rave reviews. Critics said:  "Guest-director Luke Yankee has a stunning resume that speaks for itself—and he has tackled the challenge of 'Later Life' with zest. The 90-minute show’s pace is brisk, despite the restrictions of one set and one act. His firm guiding hand is evident in the body language and the impressive variety displayed by the character actors as they morph from one role into another...This 'dramedy' could not be better. It shows a huge amount of thought, and fascinating results. You will never see anything else like it—so make sure you do see it!"  Read the full review:  http://www.cvindependent.com/index.php/en-US/arts-and-culture/theater/item/3795-a-reunion-at-a-party-cv-rep-s-masterful-production-of-later-life-shows-off-great-acting-universal-lessons

Luke's TV pilot, THE LAVENDER MAFIA (about the birth of the gay mafia in 1950's Hollywood) is currently a finalist for the Sundance Episodic TV Writers Lab. Results will be announced in late August.

Luke's new play about the corruption in the healthcare industry in the 1950's, THE MAN WHO KILLED THE CURE, was featured in an article in the Huffington Post.

Luke's new play, THE MAN WHO KILLED THE CURE is a semifinalist for the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference and has also been nominated for the Otis Guernsey New Voices in the American Theatre Award.

Luke went back to school at the University of California - Riverside and recently received his Master of Fine Arts in Writing for the Performing Arts, majoring in film and TV writing and minoring in playwriting.

"The Man Who Killed the Cure", Luke's new drama about Max Gerson, one of the fathers of natural healing (who was murdered for his beliefs), will have its world premiere at UC Irvine in late February.

"The Last Lifeboat", Luke's play about the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic, has now received 20 productions around the country since it was published in 2014.

Luke's production of "Shipwrecked! An Entertainment" at International City Theatre in Long Beach received rave reviews and standing ovations at every performance.  Watch the video promo below.

Luke's new play, "The Man Who Killed the Cure" was selected for a new works festival at Theatre Harrisburg, where it was one of four plays chosen out of 150 submissions.

Luke recently wrote, directed and produced a gala for the Anaheim Performing Aerts Center Foundation featuring Florence Henderson and Broadway's Phantom, Davis Gaines.

Luke has recently completed several hour-long television pilots and spec scripts, as well as award winning screenplays. For writing samples or to see what famous television writer/producers say about his work, click TV/Film Writer above.

Once again, Luke wrote, directed and produced the star-studded Los Angeles Actors Fund Tony Awards viewing party. This years' gala recognized the lifetime achievements of actors Tim Curry, Alfred Molina, Joe Morton and Theodore Bikel. Hosted by Kate Burton, the evening featured a performance by Cheyenne Jackson, among others.

Luke's play about the aftermath of the sinking of The Titanic, THE LAST LIFEBOAT, (published by Dramatists Play Service) is receiving 12 productions across the U.S. and Canada in 2016. For more information, visit the Playwright page.

Luke is executive producer and host of the LA based seminar series, CONVERSATIONS ON CRAFT, where he is interviewing some of the most prominent actors, directors, writers and producers of our time. For more information or to see Luke's other directing and producing credits on and Off Broadway and at regional theatres around the country, click on Director/Producer above.

Luke was recently named a finalist in the Nickelodeon Writing Program. His TV spec script for EPISODES was one of a dozen selected out of over 1,000 submissions. If chosen, he will be one of three to receive a year-long, salaried staff writer trainee position at the Nickelodeon Network, with the intention of trying to staff him on a show at the end of the year.

Luke's new play, THE LAST LIFEBOAT was recently published by Dramatists Play Service, the largest publisher of plays in the world. For more information or to order a copy, visit the page on the dramatists.com site.

Luke's award-winning new comedy about religious fanaticism, THE JESUS HICKEY has won New Works Festivals at three different regional theatres. It received its first full production in LA, starring Harry Hamlin. For more information, click on Writer above.