COLUMBIANA — The Columbiana Arts Theater (CAT) is bringing the play, “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret” back to northeast Ohio in mid-September

Written by former Green Beret Scott Mann, the Heroes Journey production explores the emotional and mental toll of war on veterans and their loved ones.

The play will be take the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

Director Jason Cannon explains character U.S. Army Green Beret Danny Patton lies dying on an Afghani desert bleeding out as he flashbacks through his life, including on both the Homefront and the war front as he ponders his own Valhalla beckoning.

The cast includes Michael Brokrick as Patton and a supporting cast of Lenny Bruce, Stacey Heisler, Joshua Berduo and Perry Wayne Blackburn, who portray the play’s remaining characters.

Cannon said the production leads audience members through the cost of war for both soldiers and their loved ones, using storytelling to promote healing, understanding and a sense of community.

The production started in 2017, when Mann showed up as a student in director in one of Cannon’s theater classes, looking to refine his public speaking skills.

A friendship was struck with Mann going onto write “Last Out” with Cannon continuing to offer his support.

The play eventually was underwritten by the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Sinise, who portrayed Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, explains about the play’s importance, “When we tell our stores, we can heal. When our stories are heard, we feel understood and validated. The 20-year war in Afghanistan and how the United States withdrew from the fight left those who served in the conflict feeling betrayed and humiliated,” Sinise told Movie Guide.

Cannon said the play is geared to reach the veterans, their loved ones and the civilians.

After the one-act play, cast and audience members participate in 40 minutes of open discussion, which Cannon said is possibly the most powerful part of the experience.

Katy Mumaw, director of marketing for the CAT, said that the play initially was performed in Youngstown several years again and credited Greg Smith, who is not only the new owner of the CAT but the chairman of Compco Industries, for bringing it back to Columbiana.

Smith had wanted to bring awareness to the plight of veterans back in Youngstown and supported doing it again for Columbiana.

Tickets cost $20 per person and the seating capacity of the CAT is 400. In addition to purchasing tickets at the door (as long as not sold out) on Sept. 12, attendees also can purchase presale tickets at the CAT’s website, atthecat.com.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com