Light Opera Works to Present DAMN YANKEES, 6/7-15

DAMN YANKEES, the 1955 Broadway musical based on the Faust legend, will be staged by Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston, June 7 through 15. The production features a full 28-piece orchestra accompanying such songs as "Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets)" and "You Gotta Have Heart."

DAMN YANKEES stars Rudy Hogenmiller, artistic director of Light Opera Works, as Mr. Applegate (aka the Devil), following his triumph as the Emcee in CABARET last August. Kevin Bellie is director/choreographer and Roger L. Bingaman is music director/conductor.

The cast includes Erica Evans (Lola), Brian Acker (Joe Hardy), Kirk Swenk (Joe Boyd), and Judy Knudtson (Meg Boyd).

The design/production team is Adam Veness (scenic), Jesus Perez (costume), Palmer Jankens (sound), Andrew H. Meyers (lighting), Sienna Kusek (hair and make-up), Cassy Schillo (props designer). Adam Veness (technical director), Tom Campbell (stage manager), and Katie Beeks (production manager).

In DAMN YANKEES, middle-aged Joe Boyd will do anything to see his beloved Washington Senators win the pennant -- even sell his soul to the Devil. When he is transformed into young Joe Hardy, the baseball sensation of the year, he must decide if the life he gave up is more important than youth and fame. DAMN YANKEES won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and originally starred Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon, with choreography by Bob Fosse.

DAMN YANKEES is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

The opening night reception for DAMN YANKEES is sponsored by Whole Foods Market Evanston.

DAMN YANKEES is Light Opera Works' first production of 2014. The season will continue with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (August 9-24), the concert production COLE PORTER'S GREATEST HITS (October 3-12) and THE MERRY WIDOW (December 19-31).

Discounted season ticket packages are still available.

Ticket prices for DAMN YANKEES range from $34 to $94. Ages 21 and younger are half price. To order tickets, or for more information, call the Light Opera Works box office at (847) 920-5360 or order online 24 hours a day at www.lightoperaworks.com.

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