Weston Playhouse Presents DAMN YANKEES 8/5-21

Damn Yankees, the musical comedy that was a smash in its original 1955 production and again in the 1994 Broadway revival, hits the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company MainStage from August 5 through 21. A sure-fire winner for the entire family, the show was created by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop (book) and Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (music and lyrics), also known for the Broadway classic The Pajama Game. The original Broadway production won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Leading Actor (Ray Walston), Best Leading Actress (Gwen Verdon) and Best Choreography (Bob Fosse) and was followed by a popular film with the same cast.

Set during the 1950s in Washington, D.C., the musical is based on Douglass Wallop's novel, "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant." In a Faustian bargain, middle-aged baseball fan Joe Boyd sells himself to the Devil - and to the machinations of a temptress named Lola - in order to see his favorite team win the pennant. Filled with song and dance hits like "Heart," "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo" and "Whatever Lola Wants," Damn Yankees helped catapult Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon to stardom.

Damn Yankees will be directed by WPTC Producing Director Malcolm Ewen, whose Weston credits include Ragtime, Chicago, and Kiss Me, Kate. Many of Weston's favorite actors make up a strong company, matched by a veteran group of backstage talent. Actors include: Munson Hicks (Broadway's August: Osage County, Weston's Copenhagen), Brandy Zarle (Weston's Tartuffe), Allen Kendall (NY Revival of Annie, Weston's Kiss Me, Kate), Thursday Farrar (Broadway's Aida, Weston's Hairspray) Dorothy Stanley (Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd, Weston's Musical of Musicals), Marcus Neville (Broadway's The Full Monty, Weston's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Weston newcomer and Broadway veteran Nadine Isenegger (Pal Joey, A Chorus Line and 42nd Street). Assisting Director Ewen will be Susan Hagan (Choreographer), Jeffrey Lodin (Music Director), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer ), Nancy Leary (Costume Designer), Ed Chapman (Sound Designer), and Lloyd Davis, Jr. (Production Stage Manager).

"Audiences love Damn Yankees whenever and wherever it is performed," said Ewen. "We have a great cast and I'm sure everyone will enjoy this production."

Like all Weston productions, Damn Yankees is complemented by extensive education and outreach programs. Director Ewen will discuss the play in The Playhouse Living Room 30 minutes before curtain on August 5 and 6, and before the August 7 matinee. He will also lead a talkback with the cast following the performances on Sundays, August 8 and 15. A Stage Notes performance guide can be found online at westonplayhouse.org.

Reservations for Damn Yankees, the popular after-show Act IV Cabaret revue, and dinner at The Playhouse's Cafe at the Falls restaurant may be made at The Playhouse box office window, by calling 802-824-5288, or by visiting westonplayhouse.org. MasterCard, VISA and American Express are accepted. Ask about Vermont resident, youth and student discounts.

Lead corporate sponsor of Weston's production of Damn Yankees is The Orvis Company. The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company is a non-profit organization supported in part by funds from the Vermont Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and an ever-growing family of individuals who believe in the impact that the performing arts can have on its community.

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