howard petrick

Breaking Rank! is a story about the sixties, not the sixties of flower power and love, but of struggle and fighting for rights.  It’s the story of  Howard Petrick’s involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement, in the U.S. Army.

A reluctant draftee Pvt. Petrick is the model soldier until the subject of Vietnam comes up.  His friendship with Pvt. Billy Moen ignites an anti-war movement in the barracks.  In a Vietnam history class, they create a problem for the instructor who suddenly sees Vietcong in his classroom.  The war becomes the center of barracks life.

Petrick’s anti-war activities lead to a confrontation with the army brass and a threat of treason charges from the Pentagon.  Petrick refuses to back down. As the brass try to figure out what to do with Petrick, he takes every opportunity to speak out against the war.

Petrick brings twenty characters to life in this autobiographical solo performance.

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Praise for Petrick’s Breaking Rank!

The Cincinnati League of Theatres award for   

“OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE”

★★★★★ “Wonderfully smooth and totally engaging.” – Cincinnati Performing Arts  Examiner

 ★★★★ “A fearlessly political play in the arena of free speech.” – Saskatoon StarPhoenix

★★★★ “An intriguing authenticity.” – Winnipeg Free Press

★★★★ – “Fascinating…a satirical treat.” – CBC Manitoba

“Petrick delivers…he has you laughing through the  fear“  – Uptown Winnipeg

“A smart and nuanced portrait” – Chicago Tribune

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Written & Performed by        Howard Petrick  

Directed by                             Mark Kenward

Developed with                      David Ford

Graphic Design                       Pat Korn/Kajun Design

Program Design                     Nora Danielson  

Photo credit                            Larry Seigle/Militant