Damn Yankees

Ocean State Theatre Company kicks off its summer season with a fun, refreshing production of the timeless Broadway musical about America's favorite pastime, "Damn Yankees," featuring the classic tunes, "(You Gotta Have) Heart" and "Whatever Lola Wants."

Winner of seven Tony Awards and with words and music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, "Damn Yankees" is straight out of the Broadway musical heyday with its soft but hard to resist storyline, show-stopping dance numbers, an especially energetic ensemble and a soundtrack rife with familiar, heartfelt songs.

Under the lively direction of Amiee Turner, the show opens with Old Joe Boyd (John Costa) in front of the television, giving his undivided attention to a baseball game between the Washington Senators and the New York Yankees, much to the chagrin of his wife, Meg (Sally Ann Swarm). After his team loses and Joe offers to sell his soul "for one long-ball hitter," the devil himself appears in the form of Mr. Applegate (Beau Allen), ready and willing to grant Joe his wish.

Old Joe instantly transforms into Joe Hardy (Matt Gibson), a handsome, young ballplayer with supernatural talent, who after joining the Senators makes them the league's winningest team and a contender for the pennant, which catches the attention and suspicion of reporter, Gloria Thorpe (Kristen Arsenault).

Despite his newfound fame and glory, Joe is eager to return to his life at home with Meg, but not if Mr. Applegate has his way, so he calls upon the services of seductress, Lola (Lauren Gemelli), to help Joe forget about his former life.

Like most musicals of the era, the first act is too lengthy, clocking in at more than ninety minutes. That said, the production numbers are pleasant and heartfelt, especially the easy to hum along with "(You Gotta Have) Heart," and Lola's cagey, "A Little Brains-A Little Talent."

The much shorter second act includes the tender, touching "Near to You," and the show's highlight -- a sultry, spectacular night club dance scene to accompany Joe and Lola's "Two Lost Souls."

Gibson is charming to a fault as Joe Hardy and Gemelli shines as the incorrigibly flirtatious Lola. Swarm is delightful as longing wife, Meg, and Allen hams it up heartily as the soul (and scene) stealing Mr. Applegate.

If (like me) you've only ever seen "Damn Yankees," on a high school stage, don't miss this grand slam opportunity. The talented cast and sweet (albeit sappy) script loaded with laughs make OSTC's production a home run.

"Damn Yankees" runs through July 24 at Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. For information and tickets, call 401-921-1777 or visit www.OceanStateTheatre.org