Cumberland County Playhouse's DAMN YANKEES Begins 9/12

Beginning September 12, Cumberland County Playhouse promises audiences a devilishly good time as they present Damn Yankees, the Tony Award-winning musical that's all about America's favorite pastime, baseball! Middle-aged Joe Boyd (Jim Crabtree) will do anything to see his beloved Washington Senators win the pennant-even sell his soul to the Devil. So when charming Mr. Applegate (Jason Ross) offers him the chance to dethrone the Yankees and lead his team to the pennant, Joe can't resist the temptation. But when transformed into the baseball sensation of the year, young Joe Hardy (Blake Graham) must decide if the life he gave up is more important than youth and fame. Only with the help of the Devil's sultry seductress Lola (Leila Nelson) does Hardy have a chance at redemption.

Weslie Webster (Rose in Gypsy) co-stars as Joe Boyd's wife Meg, with major league support from Playhouse favorites Anna Baker, Daniel Black, John Dobbratz, Bill Frey, Carol Irvin, Bill Macchio, Lauren Marshall and Austin Price. Director Britt Hancock said, "No matter what team you're rooting for, Damn Yankees is a grand slam... and Leila Nelson hits it out of the park with her amazing athletic choreography!"

Pulsating with energy and hit songs like "You Gotta Have Heart" and "Whatever Lola Wants," Damn Yankees instantly assumed its place as one of the great Broadway musicals. In addition to the seven Tony Awards it won in 1956, the 1994 Broadway revival garnered another five nominations including Best Revival (Musical). George Abbott and Douglass Wallop wrote the book (based on Wallop's novel "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant"), with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Damn Yankees, rated PG, is co-sponsored by Dr. Vianney Villaruz, M.D., Cardiology CMM-CMG and The Beef & Barrel/The Blind Zebra/Red's Ale House.

Also at the Playhouse: Gypsy (Rated PG, co-sponsored by Dirk C. Davidson, M.D./Tennessee Plateau Oncology and Fairfield Glade Resort) through September 5, It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues (Rated PG, sponsored by Cumberland County Bank) through October 25 and Smoke on the Mountain (Rated G, sponsored by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store), now HELD OVER through October 4. Tickets and information are also available for Southern Stars Symphonic Brass and other events. All CCP productions are made possible through sponsor support, with additional support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.