Wow! I expected a small neighborhood production of “Damn Yankees” at Theo (now called The Fred Anzevino Theatre in honor of the late founder and Artistic Director). The production I saw prompted me to watch the 1958 Hollywood film, to make some comparisons.
While most are familiar with the storyline of how Joe Boyd, a middle-aged fanatical Washington Senators fan, in a fit of disappointment with his last place team, wishes he could help. He gets his wish when Mr. Applegate from a place way down south, appears. Joe strikes a deal with Applegate where he will trade his soul if the team wins the pennant. Joe is smart enough, however, to negotiate ‘an escape clause’ to back out the night before the final game.
The story is simple but so much fun, with lots of great dancing and iconic songs like “You’ve Got to Have Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets”. And Lola, played by Jenny Couch really ‘got me’! Her dancing, singing, and acting were off the charts. Joe Hardy, played by Luke Nowakowski, and Applegate played by Tommy Thurston also ‘got me’.
Now I am going to go out on a limb and compare these three actors to those in the 1958 hit film. Jenny Couch, as Lola, outplayed Gwen Verdon, Tommy Thurston, as Applegate, out paced Ray Walston and Luke Nowakowski, as Joe Hardy, was a cut above Tab Hunter
Continuing, please credit the amazing set design by Manuel Ortiz. There was a whole lot going on in a little space. And… a major shout out to the audio engineer, Emily Mumfie for our really feeling the crack of the bat! This is more important than you think.
I suggest you run, not walk, to The Fred Anzevino Theatre’s current production of “Damn Yankees”. The theater is located at 721 Howard St., Evanston. The “Theo” sign is on the building. See their website www.Theo-U.com for play dates and times as well as other production information. Support this non-for-profit organization and its treatment of the art of theater.
Let’s give five of five baseballs to this theater and production.
