Review: 'Damn Yankees' at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts

All photos by Stephen Cihanek

“No other country has the Broadway musical. Like baseball, the Broadway musical is an American invention.” - Director Dan Bovingloh

Brookfield, CT - ‘Damn Yankees’ and The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts share a birthday. The musical that is set the world of 1950’s baseball was on the Broadway stage 60 years ago and TBTA had its inception 60 years ago. The director of this production is Don Bovingloh and he writes in his program note, “For a show of that age, it has energy, comedy, music and a story that is relevant to the present and to younger audiences….It continues to resonate for those who love America’s favorite pastime.” Mr. Bovingloh and his young cast worked hard for two months to hit a homerun for the huge preview audience while reminding the senior citizens in song that “You’ve got to have heart.”

The seniors enjoyed the musical numbers with words and music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The book for ‘Damn Yankees’ is based on the novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant by Douglass Wallop and tells the tale of a middle-aged baseball fan who sells his soul to the Devil, with an escape clause of course, in order to help his beloved but pathetic team win the pennant. The plot may be a bit dated but definitely teaches a few lessons, the comedy courtesy of the devilish Mr. Applegate lightens it up, and the energy of the young ballplayers keeps it moving.

Some of the strengths of this production were the great special effects by Stephen Ciihanek, excellent choral singing (thanks to the musical director Nathaniel Baker and vocal coach David Jurman) and a clever puzzle-piece set designed by Bill Cone. The dance numbers were very nicely choreographed by Doreen Rafferty and Jeri Kansas was in charge of the smoking choreography for the classic “Whatever Lola Wants.” All of the tapping featured dancers in “Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo” did an excellent job. There were some very long transitions between acts with the curtain closed and only a few opening slip ups.

Janina Rosa (Velma Kelly in ‘Chicago’ with Landmark Community Theatre) grabbed onto the role of Lola and did not let go; she had a Broadway voice and plenty of stage presence. Nic Anthony Calabro sang wonderfully as the young Joe Hardy and Rebecca Pokorski was a lovely Meg Boyd. Ted Schwartz performed in his first musical in his hometown and was equally excellent as the older Joe and as Van Buren, the dynamic coach of the Senators. And yes, he even juggled onstage.

Bob Filipowich, who I recognized from his portrayal of Georges in Two Planks’ ‘La Cage Aux Folles,’ made his debut at this venue and knocked it out of the park in the role of Applegate. Always delightfully malevolent, this talented actor sported progressively flashy red attire and set the bar very high for this iconic role. Rachel Lotstein, who portrayed Jacqueline with Mr. Filipowich in ‘La Cage,’ was spot on as the nosy reporter Gloria Thorpe.

The young ballplayers ranged in age and stage experience but worked together well. The team members included Ian Arbues, Joe Bagala, Naugatuck Community Choir member Tony Benedetti, Paul Landman, Andrew Olson (‘Bare’ at TBTA,) Jeff Owens, Eli Patton, Tim Vlangas, and Brandon Zenevitch. Special mention to the amazing tap dancing done by the young Mr. Bagala, a dancer with 11 years experience, in “Shoeless Joe;” this actor will be in demand for any upcoming shows that have heavy dance requirements. Danielle Calabrese, Daisy Love, Emma Okell, Ms. Pokorski’s daughter Eden Schwanke and Morgana Kate Watson played baseball wives and fans. Veteran community theatre lady Barbara Kessler was Sister and Joan Wyner was her pal Doris.

The band with the musical director, who holds a Masters in Piano Performance from UConn, on the piano, Jacob Zonderman on drums, Sarah Katz on flute and reeds, and Lylah Bottelsen on trumpet sat backstage and sounded great. Costumes by Molly Farrell-Savage worked for the time period. Lou Okell served as producer of this show.

Nancy Sasso Janis is a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle and continues to contribute theatre news to local Patch sites. Check out her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and follow her on Twitter @nancysjanis417