Cast Announced for DAMN YANKEES at The Ordway

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts has announced the complete casting for its much anticipated summer production of Damn Yankees. The Ordway-produced musical comedy runs June 16-28 for a total of 16 performances. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org, by phone at 651-224-4222 or in-person at the Ordway ticket office.

The cast features Lawrence Clayton as Joe Boyd, Allen Fitzpatrick as Van Buren, Thay Floyd as Joe Hardy, Tari Kelly as Lola, Ann Morrison as Meg Boyd, Michelle Myers as Doris, Kersten Rodau as Gloria Thorpe, Monte Wheeler as Mr. Applegate and Regina Marie Williams as Sister.

Rounding out the company are Lisa Bartholomew Given, Dieter Bierbrauer, Gary Briggle, Mario Esteb, Larissa Gritti, Reid Harmsen, Joey Miller, Aaron Neely, Pascal Pastrana, Randy Schmeling, Rudolph Searles III, Karen Skrinde, Kirby Trymucha-Duresky and Kyle Weiler.

Fast-paced and wickedly clever, Damn Yankees is an all-American home run musical hit. Aging baseball fanatic Joe Boyd sells his soul to the devil for the chance to lead his favorite team, the Washington Senators, to a win over the New York Yankees. Can he lead the Senators to victory and still outsmart the Devil to win his soul back in time?

"Damn Yankees is one of those shows that resonates with audiences of all ages. It's a modern interpretation of the classic Faustian tale which really makes people stop and think, 'What would I sell my soul for?'-all set in the world of America's favorite pastime," said James A. Rocco, Ordway's vice president of programming and producing artistic director. "The catchy music and iconic characters, such as Lola of 'Whatever Lola Wants' fame, really bring this show to life. Plus, we've got some fun things up our sleeves which will make you feel like you're right there at the game, but without the sunburn, mosquitos or rowdy fans."

Directed and choreographed by award-winning duo James A. Rocco and Sharon Halley, this riveting musical features words and music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and a book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop based on Wallop's novel, "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant."

The production's creative team includes Jeff Rizzo (musical director), Raymond Berg (associate musical director), J Branson (scenic design), Pamila Gray (lighting design), Lynda L. Salsbury (costume design), Andy Horka (sound design) and Robert A. Dunn (hair and make-up design).

Damn Yankees opened on Broadway in 1955, receiving seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. A successful film version of the show, featuring Gwen Verdon in the role of Lola, was released in 1958.

For tickets and more information about Damn Yankees, visit www.ordway.org.

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