The Riverside High School Theater will present the musical, Damn Yankees tonight through April 2 in the high school auditorium (information about the show and how to get tickets can be found at the end of this review).
Today’s review is part three in a three-part series about Damn Yankees. Previous stories featured cast Q&As.
Take me out to the ballgame … or to Riverside High School’s production of Damn Yankees where nostalgia and Americana hit a homerun.
You can’t get more American than a musical that is centered around baseball, also known as America’s national pastime. Baseball is seeped deeply into American history.
The nostalgia begins with the costumes. The ladies in the iconic bold print and color dresses and accessories. The sets also scream Americana … especially the baseball stadium set, which under the lighting oozes red, white, and blue in such a beautiful way. The choreography is clever and brings the cast and story to life.
In this musical, Joe Boyd sells his soul to the devil, Mr. Applegate, for “one good Long ball hitter” for his team, the Washington Senators. Mr. Applegate grants his wish, turning him into a 22-year-old sports superstar who must go back to his wife before 9 p.m. on the final game day if he doesn’t want Mr. Applegate to get his soul.
Twins Avery and Ellis Rebholtz play the same character Joe. Ellis plays Joe Boyd and Avery, the younger version … Joe Hardy.
Ellis is convincing as the elder Joe, while Avery breathes life and youth into the younger Joe, who is awestruck by a vivacious Lola, played by Elizabeth Frazer. Frazer excites the audience with her pure, beautiful voice.
Then there is Mr. Applegate, played skillfully by Jacob Storey. He brings out the character’s sinister side with ease. No one will forget the devilish laugh of Mr. Applegate thanks to his portrayal.
A punch of humor is added to the entire show by Morgan Myers who plays Sister Miller.
Will Joe make it back to his wife in time?
Don’t miss the conclusion of Damn Yankees.
Don’t miss the show:
- Thursday March 30-7:30 p.m.
- Friday March 31-7:30 p.m.
- Saturday April 1–7:30 p.m.
- Sunday April 2–2:00 p.m. *MATINEE
All tickets for these performances are $12.00 and can be purchased by going to www.showtix4u.com – When you go to the site just type in “Riverside.” We are located at 300 Country Club Drive, Ellwood City, PA 16117. If you have general questions, you can contact the DAMN YANKEES HOTLINE at 724-758-7512 Extension 1264 or email the Producer at vhudspath@rbcsd.com.
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