The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire hits it out of the park with DAMN YANKEES, running now through June 4.
Make no mistake, this musical remains one of the best baseball shows of all time since its original production on Broadway in 1955 and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Devilishly clever, DAMN YANKEES is full of memorable music you’ll keep humming as you leave the theatre. Songs like “You Gotta Have Heart,” “Goodbye, Old Girl” and “Whatever Lola Wants” are just a few big winners that have stood the test of time.
Based on the novel, “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant,” middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to the Devil, for a chance to lead his Washington Senators to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees.
Will it work? Will his escape clause bring him back to his beloved wife? Will love prevail?
Under the direction of James Vásquez making his Marriott Theatre debut, this timeless classic looks fresh and new. The high-energy dancing is exciting and complex with choreography by Tyler Hanes, also making his Marriott Theatre choreography debut. Musical direction is by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.
A true American classic, DAMN YANKEES comes to life with Andrew Alstat making his Marriott Theatre debut as Joe Hardy. His voice is stellar, and he comes across as honest and sincere in his performance. Michelle Aravena, also making her Marriott Theatre debut as the seductress Lola, is one hot babe with a booming voice to boot!
Michelle Aravena as Lola at the Marriott Theatre production of DAMN YANKEES. Photo by Liz Lauren.
But Sean Fortunato as the Devil steals the show. Yes, this devil of a man is actually quite charming and almost likable, albeit with dark overtones. The variety of costumes he wears, designed by Jefferson award-winning costume designer Theresa Ham, are show-stopping. Note the red tail in one of his get-ups.
Sean Fortunato as the Devil in the Marriott Theatre production of DAMN YANKEES. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Kudos to Daniella Dalli as wife, Meg whom Marriott Theatre audiences just saw as for “Mother Abbess” in The Sound of Music and also won her a Jefferson Award. Lorenzo Rush Jr. who recently appeared in the Marriott Theatre production of A Christmas Story is also a popular performer.
Daniella Dalli, Ron E. Raines in DAMN YANKEES at the Marriott Theatre. Photo by Liz Lauren.
DAMN YANKEES is just about as much fun as going to a real baseball game…with lots more music!
For tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.
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