In an era of angst-filled, opera-like musicals, it's a treat to occasionally revisit a once-popular, Tony Award-winning classic that hearkens back to simpler times – an era when "love conquers all" is enough of a moral to satisfy theatergoers who then return home feeling thoroughly entertained. And that's pretty much the case with "Damn Yankees," the devilishly delightful musical now on stage at The Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter.
Based on the novel "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant" and first staged on Broadway in 1955, "Damn Yankees" is most remembered today for its songs ("Heart," "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo." and "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets") than anything else – and very few theaters in the area have staged it in recent years. But there's a reason for that: While the tunes by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross will stick with you for hours or days after you see the show, the script by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop – although sweet and uplifting – is fairly pedestrian. And the ending is telegraphed very early in the first act.
The challenge for any director, then, is to populate the production with performers who not only can sing and dance well, but who can take their often sketchy roles and fill them with life, energy and personality. And that's precisely what director Dan Cooney has accomplished with his production.
The most sought-after role, of course, is that of Mr. Applegate, better known as The Devil. When 60-something Joe Boyd – in a moment of frustration over the sorry performance of his favorite baseball club – offers his soul for a long ball hitter to help the last-place Washington Senators, Applegate appears and grants his wish: For the price of his soul, Joe will become 20-something star athlete Joe Hardy who will take the team to the World Series. But to do that, he'll not only have to sign over his soul for all eternity, but walk away from his beloved wife as well! Joe agrees and becomes an immediate sensation. But will he fall prey to the temptation Applegate sends his way – Lola, the home wrecker from Hell – to keep him from exercising the escape clause in their agreement?
Dressed in a black pinstriped suit highlighted by a bright red tie (and equally red socks), Tobin Hissong sizzles as the deal-making Applegate. Hissong, a fine character actor, toyfully preys upon the unsuspecting Joe with all the traits one would expect of the devil: He's slick, slimy and double-talking (often at the same time), with a plastered smile that screams "Beware! Devil at work here!" And work (it) he does!
So too does MaryJo Cuppone as Lola, Applegate's sexy assistant. Although the attempted seduction is rather tame – but understandably so for a family-friendly production – Cuppone is equally fun to watch as Lola "struts her stuff" in the first act as she is in the second when Lola finds it in her heart to help Joe out of his dilemma.
As Joe, Steve DeBruyne once again gives a stellar performance. Especially notable is his transformation from the slow-moving, feeling-his-age Joe Boyd to the youthful, full of vigor (and himself) Joe Hardy. These are two different characters, and DeBruyne plays them that way – vocally and physically.
And, unlike a handful of "Damn Yankees" staged locally over the last few decades, DeBruyne actually LOOKS like he could be a professional baseball player – an observation that also holds true regarding the entire team. Finding a half-dozen or more male singers/dancers who look and act like jocks is apparently a near-impossible task, but Cooney's efforts paid off in this regard. Of equal importance, though, is this: Each team member creates a unique and fully realized character instead of a generic jock stereotype. Most impressive is Sebastian Gerstner, whose Rocky is always totally focused and in character – even when he's not the center of attention.
Other performances range from totally cute (Maeve Donevan) to adequate – but the supporting cast excels in all of the musical numbers, thanks to voices that blend quite nicely and imaginative (but not very complicated) choreography by Barbara F. Cullen. (Jesse Barfield, in particular, performs the splits at the end of the number "Two Lost Souls" that impressed the heck out of me!)
Also surprising is the multi-level set by Daniel C. Walker. At first glance, what looks rather drab (but serviceable) pulls out, spins around, slides open and more – the result of which are an excellent use of the rather tight space and the fastest and best coordinated set changes seen in years. (The crew might want to be a little quieter, though, as they prepare for the next scene change.)
REVIEW:
'Damn Yankees'
The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 24. $28. 734-268-6200. http://theencoretheatre.org
