Would you sell your soul to have an opportunity to become a talented baseball player for their favorite team? Such is the premise of the hit 1955 musical comedy, “Damn Yankees” with a book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.
Filled with classic Broadway show tunes and heartfelt emotions for America’s favorite pastime, “Damn Yankees” presented by Brookfield Theatre for the Arts is charming audiences through August 6th.
Poor housewife, Meg Boyd (beautifully played by Rebecca Pokorski) must suffer through her husband’s angst as he watches his Washington Senators lose game after game for “Six Months Out of Every Year.” When Mr. Applegate (Bob Filipowich) approaches coach potato Joe Boyd (Ted Schwartz) with an offer he just can’t refuse, Joe is transformed into the young and talented Joe Hardy (enthusiastically played by Nic Anthony Calabro) during the song “Goodbye, Old Girl”. Mr. Schwartz talents are not wasted as he transitions into manager, Van Buren. His rousing rendition of “Heart”. Showstopper tune “Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo” incorporated some creative choreography by Doreen Rafferty and impressive tiptoe tap dancing from Joe Bagala.
Through Joe’s journey, Meg is still on his mind. Applegate can’t seem to sway the homesick Joe from missing his loving wife and enlists the help of the sexy siren, Lola (expertly played by Janina Rosa) to deter Joe from using the escape clause he agreed to in Joe’s contract. Try as she might – and boy, does she try – Lola can’t win over Joe but she develops as soft spot for Joe even though Applegate tells her to “never feel sorry for anybody.” Rosa deftly sang, danced and sashayed through her songs with professional acumen. Bob Filipowich’s cheeky and vibrant interpretation of the devilish Mr. Applegate, is entertaining especially when he plays with the audience in the second act’s “Those Were the Good Old Days”.
The creative set consisted of double sided flats to transform from cozy home, to locker room to baseball stadium and more. Musical Director and pianist, Nathaniel Baker conducted Jacob Zonderman (drums), Sarah Katz (Flute/Reeds) and Lylah Bottelsen (Trumpet). Directed by Don Bovingloh, TBTA’s “Damn Yankees” is a good old fashion musical that finishes up their run next week. Final performances are Fri. & Sat. at 8PM on, Aug. 4, 5 and Sun., July 30 and Aug. 6 at 2PM. TBTA’s 60th season will include "Frost/Nixon" by Peter Morgan from Sept. 8 – 23 and "Noises Off" by Michael Frayn from Nov. 3 – 18. For more information, visit their website at www.BrookfieldTheatre.org.
Photos by Stephen Cihanek