Review: BroadHollow's DAMN YANKEES

Kicking off what is sure to be an excellent season, The BroadHollow Theatre Company offers a delightful incarnation of Damn Yankees. Running through February 24th, the Tony award-winning musical is excellently directed by BroadHollow's Jason P. Allyn and boasts an outstanding cast.

In the George Abbott/Douglass Wallop tale, we follow Joe Boyd who is charmingly portrayed by Lloyd Baum. Boyd is beyond upset that his beloved Washington Senators are still on a losing streak. After grumbling that all the Senators need is a strong hitter, the smooth-talking Mr. Applegate appears. Portrayed by Long Island theatre vet Chris Dufrenoy, Applegate offers Boyd the chance to become the young slugger the Senators need under the name of Joe Hardy. After much thought, Boyd reluctantly accepts the deal with the devil which includes him temporarily leaving his wife, Meg, portrayed by Elizabeth Degennaro who also serves as BroadHollow's music director.

The music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross is an emotional roller coaster. Audience favorites include the comical act one opener "Six Months Out Of Every Year", the fun performance of "Shoeless Joe", and the classic burlesque style "Whatever Lola Wants". A heart-tugging moment is a rendition of "A Man Doesn't Know" between Meg and Joe. All of the performances are truly excellent.

Bob Butterley's set is minimal yet effective. Towering, stationary walls emblazed with the logos of baseball teams stand in the background. Rolling pieces are also used for different locales in the story. Among them are bleachers for the games, lockers, and comfortable furniture for the Boyd home. This is enhanced beautifully by Jes Almeida's costumes and Hemraj Budhram's lighting design.

Damn Yankees is indeed a great way to kick off BroadHollow Theatre Company's Spring season. A great cast and heartfelt story make for a fun night of theatre.

Damn Yankees is presented The BroadHollow Theatre Company at BayWay Arts Center in East Islip through February 24th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org

Music by Richard Adler, Lyrics by Jerry Ross, Book by George Abbott & Douglass Wallop, Directed by Jason P. Allyn, Stage Management by Matt Mendoza, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Lighting by Hemraj Budhram, Costumes by Jes Almeida, Choreography by Rochelle Martin, Musical Direction by Elizabeth Degennaro

Starring Jason Allyn, Lloyd Baum, Elizabeth Degennaro, Olivia Diaz, Chris Dufrenoy, Kashawn Howe, Kristen Keller, Liam Marsigliano, Sam Murdock, Logan O'Leary, Bill Quarisimo, Alexa Rose, Evan Roth, C.J. Russo, Terrence Sheldon, Robert Sock, Gianna Zuffante