Monticello’s ‘Damn Yankees’ hits it out of the park

Delightful production comes alive on March 27-28 in Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY—It’s the 1950’s and those Damn Yankees win every year much to the chagrin of suffering Washington Senators fans, in particular one Joe Boyd. Steeped in misery at watching his team be the doormat for those hated Yanks, Joe is literally willing to sell his soul for a World Series title. Enter Mr. Applegate, aka the Devil himself and the deal is struck as Boyd is transformed into Shoeless Joe Hardy, slugger extraordinaire.

On March 27-28 Monticello High School will present an enchanting production of the show “Damn Yankees,” based on the book by George and Douglass Wallop. The Music and Lyrics were written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The original Broadway production starring Gwen Verdon opened in 1955.

Monticello’s show stars Matthew Thomas as Joe, Joshua Oates as Mr. Applegate, Lauren Katz as Lola, Erik Mayberg as manager VanBuren, James Michel as team owner Welch, Daria Coney as the investigative journalist Gloria Thorpe, Rachel Zager as Meg Boyd, Emma Cohen as sister, Lisa MacEntee as Doris, Tyler Wuerthner as Rocky, Tanner Wuerthner as Smokey, Amy Conway as Vernon, Evan Nolan as Lynch, Thomas Gonzalez as Eddie, Dominic Carmeci as Henry, Sarah Klein as the Commisioner and a host of other talented players whose fine acting, singing and dancing bring the Broadway smash back to life just in time for baseball season’s annual re-emergence.

The show is produced by Drama Club teacher Jeffrey Lackey with direction and choreography by Jennifer Romano. Joshua Oates assisted in the choreography. Monticello grad Daniel Cunningham is an assistant to the director. Musical directors Snezana Lazich and Nancy Wegryzn oversee the vocals and sonorous theatre orchestra respectively. Amy Phillips is the Accompanist. Sets, lights and sound are by Timothy Buckley with costumes by Ann Carmeci.

To find out if Joe is really going to lose his soul and to hear such charming numbers such as “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal Mo,” “Whatever Lola Wants,”, “Those Were the Good Old Days,” and “You’ve Got To Have Heart,” among others, don’t miss this hit at Monticello. Year in and year out, Monticello’s productions are top shelf and this one is no exception.

Performances on March 27-28 are at 7:30pm. Ticket prices are $5.00 dollars for adults, $3.00 for students and seniors are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door.