'DAMN YANKEES' REVIEW Musical's a blast for entire family

The music and dance make this show exciting and fun.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
With summer just around the corner, what could be more appropriate than a musical that celebrates baseball? Stage Left Players of Lisbon is now presenting "Damn Yankees," which also celebrates 51 years since its Broadway debut, May 5, 1955.
This timeless tale of a Washington Senators' fan who sells his soul to the devil just to see his team, for once, beat those damn Yankees, is filled with humor, high energy, a bit of romance and lots of toe-tapping tunes. This one is all-around fun for the whole family.
The tale is about an aging Joe Boyd, who spends six months out of the year glued to the TV watching baseball, while his wife, Meg, laments the yearly loss of her husband. When he idly comments that he would sell his soul, the devil appears in the form of Mr. Applegate, who transforms him to a young man again and makes him the Senators' star player. However, he soon finds that what he really treasures is his wife and home.
Though the story line for this one is simple, it is the wonderful music and dance that make the show exciting, an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin, "show tunes" -- really a style all its own, and none of it sounding typical '50s. The most well-known tunes are ("You Gotta Have") "Heart," and "Whatever Lola Wants," but all the music is entertaining. Some of the most enjoyable songs were those sung by the young Joe (Rob Dumovic) and Meg (Kari Lankford), especially the tangolike "Near to You," showcasing the lovely voices of these two people.
Other characters
Comic relief came in the form of Doris and Sister (Regina Reynolds and Denise Sculli). Their hysterical antics onstage always broke the crowd up in laughter. But the most devilishly funny character was Jared Mason, as Applegate, who later said that this was the most fun role he has ever played.
His seductive sidekick, Lola, was played to the hilt by the talented Amanda Stewart. John Dunlap made a great Coach Van Buren, and his solo in "Heart" was very enjoyable. The ballplayers' ensemble songs were lively and spirited.
The energy of director Kandace Cleland's huge cast, which included little children for the fan club, worked excellently, and the whole show came off without a hitch. Mention must also be given to the wonderful orchestral ensemble, under the skillful direction of Jodine Pilmer.
It is always amazing, the ingenuity that this company uses to create an environment in their tiny space. The stage area was surrounded by nostalgic commercial sponsor signs and logos that one might have seen around a ballpark in the '50s. Scene changes were simple sliding boards used as backdrops with small props that were whisked in and out in a flash.
If you are looking for some entertainment for the whole family, this one is a winner. It continues Friday and June 16, 17 at 8 p.m., June 11 at 6 p.m., and June 18 at 2 p.m. (dads get in free that day!) at The Outreach Center, 234 E. Lincoln Way in Lisbon. Tickets: (330) 424-5093.