When a theatre company has to rebuild, the temptation can be to try something easy: a show sure to sell tickets, but something not too risky.
Surprisingly, Musical Theatre Southwest has gone for ambition instead, choosing to do “Damn Yankees,” a challenging musical that could have easily gone wrong.
But MTS’s third production of “Damn Yankees,” directed by Terry Davis, is a triumphant romp, demonstrating the vast potential of community and musical theater. A Faustian musical about a man who sells his soul so his beloved baseball team can taste success, “Damn Yankees” first opened on Broadway in 1955. Musical Theatre Southwest, one of Albuquerque’s oldest theatre companies, first produced “Damn Yankees” in 1974 and again in 1986.
However, tragedy struck the company last year. Its warehouse fell victim to a fire, losing 50 years of history, archives and costumes. In true “the show must go on” spirit, MTS began the rebuilding process almost immediately, and now continues its performances at the African-American Performing Arts Center.
Every aspect of “Damn Yankees” impresses.
The play is magnificently designed, transporting the audience to a variety of distinct, colorful 1950s settings. The sets are sleek and gorgeous, the costumes and hair perfect. The choreography, designed by Luke Loffelmacher and Christina Daly, is slick and inventive. The jazzy score, performed by a live orchestra, carries the piece.
Put simply, “Damn Yankees” is a damn good show, the kind that can push reviewers to exhaust their supply of superlatives. However, ultimate compliments must go to director Terry Davis for his impeccable casting of the show. No performer disappoints, lending even the smallest roles detail and precision.
Joel White and Erik Clack both play convincing protagonists Joe Boyd and his baseball-star alter ego Joe Hardy (respectively), but the true star-turn in “Damn Yankees” is Daryl Streeter as Mr. Applegate, the Devil of the play.
The charming Mr. Applegate offers protagonist Joe Boyd all of his baseball dreams, asking only for his soul in return. As Applegate, Streeter first employs a subtle wit, but eventually grows bolder, threatening to steal the whole show. Streeter’s virtuoso performance alone is worth the price of admission.
Despite everything they’ve had to endure, Musical Theatre Southwest doesn’t seem to be going anywhere just yet, which is good news because “Damn Yankees” proves it’s clearly still capable of putting on great entertainment.
DAMN YANKEES
African-American
Performing Arts Center
NE Corner of San Pedro & Copper
Runs till July 31
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
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General Admission $20
Student Rush $10
