Dad Travels Cross-Country to see daughter in Arena's 'Damn Yankees'

The reviews have been universally raving about the Arena Stage's production of the musical, "Damn Yankees". I had seen the most recent Broadway revival starring Victor Garber and I was curious to compare the two productions.

Well, I attended the Sunday matinee and the result: you MUST see this production. This "DY " is cleverly directed by the Arena Artistic Director, Molly Smith. She wisely includes twenty different D.C. area schools to form the Junior Senators, a fan club that shows its support for the Senators baseball team by singing their rendition of "You've Gotta Have Heart" during the show.

I arrived at my seat and noticed immediately the American flag bunting around the theater as if the World Series was in town. Ushers were hawking "DY" baseball caps in the aisles.

The gentleman sitting next to me bought one and we started talking. This was his first venture to the Arena, coming from Colorado. He then readily admitted he was the proud father of actress Kay Walbye who was playing the role of "Meg Boyd", wife of Joe Boyd who later becomes "Shoeless Joe" from Hannibal, MO.

I immediately went to the program for her bio. I 'd seen Kay not only in "Titanic" but saw her originate the roles of Rose in "The Secred Garden" and Ma Strong in the fabulous and "shoulda won the Tony for Best Musical", "Urinetown". (It lost to the boring "Thoroughly Modern Millie".

It was so much fun sharing the experience with Kay's father, George, who is a sculptor. His wife was unable to attend due to the caring of their ill chesapeake bay retriever. She covers theater from Ft. Collins to Denver for a local paper.

It was heartwarming to watch George smile during the performance with tears of joy occasionally being wiped from his eyes. It was not a surprise, Kay has a beautiful voice. She reminded me of Tony winner Victoria Clark from "Light in the Piazza". When I accompanied George backstage to meet Kay, she laughed when I mentioned this...since she is good friends with Victoria (who has just extended her run at Lincoln Center till July).

What a sight it was in the bowels of the Arena. Kay was proudly introducing her dad to the entire cast and George was beaming with pride. Even though he has done this numerous times in the past, he still gets a kick out of this.

Walbye has been in show business for over twenty years and was having a ball in her first appearance at the Arena. She commented that the show is "full of vitality, life, energy. For so many, we take people for granted."

There are many Baltimore connections to this production. It took about forty minutes into the show before the character "Lola" makes her first appearance. The amazing Meg Gillentine gives a breath-taking performance. For those lucky enough to have seen her in the Center Stage production of "Pajama Game" where she played the role of Gladys and sang "Hernando's Hide-a-Way"...you know exactly what I'm talking about. Such an incredible dancer. There are few like her in the theater today. She was outstanding on Broadway in "Fosse" and can be seen on the PBS broadcast of "Fosse". You can also catch her in the film of "The Producers" but there is NOTHING like seeing her in person!!

Meg raved about the artistic integrity of the people at the Arena where no cost was spared in this production. She was impressed with the huge cast of thirty (incredibly large for a regional theater) and the thirteen member orchestra. She gave much credit to the choreographer, Baayork Lee who did a magnificent job utilizing the small stage with infectious dance numbers. Meg was also proud of her hand-made boots.

Meg has left New York and now calls LA home. What a shame for Broadway to lose one of its finest to Tinseltown.

Christopher Block, an Everyman Theater veteran, was also in the production. Baltimore audiences may recall his wonderful parts in "Uncle Vanya", "Jacques Brel", and "Light Up the Sky". He was also terrific in the fabulous Signature Theater production of "Urinetown" as Caldwell B. Cladwell. Look for information in the future regarding the Carver Center for the Performing Arts in Towson, MD bringing this eclectic show for the first time to the Baltimore area soon.

Also said hello to Center Stage veteran, Stephen F. Schmidt who has appeared in six productions there.

Almost forgot to mention the Tony nominated Brad Oscar who shines in his role of Mr. Applegate. You may remember Brad from the original cast of "The Producers". He's also in the film. Brad's performance made me forget Victor Garber's turn as Applegate on Broadway. What a character!

Kay's dad was lucky to get a ticket to return to see his daughter again in the Sunday evening performance before he flies back to Colorado. If you don't soon...you may not be so lucky.

"Damn Yankees" ends its run on Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 5. You'll enjoy it much more than ANY football game.

Call 202-488-3300 for tickets.