(no subject)
This is the review that got published. It's been slightly modified, but is otherwise still mine.
washingtonpost.com
High School Troupes Score Hits With Classic Shows
Post
Sunday, April 24, 2005; PW03
'Damn Yankees' Woodbridge High
The score is 10-0. The team at bat is the Washington Senators, and they're losing to the New York Yankees . . . again. The game is being played in Woodbridge High School's production of "Damn Yankees."
The musical, set in the 1950s, is the story of Joe Boyd's rise to fame and the Senators' rise out of the cellar. Joe (Wesley Lovell) is a longtime Senators enthusiast who's exhausted by their losing streak. After claiming that he'd give his soul to the devil if the Senators could beat the Yankees, a wicked stranger named Applegate shows up to see how far Joe will go to fulfill his wish.
Once Joe has realized his dream to play with the Senators, he begins to appreciate his former life. He must then fight temptations and the clock to return to his old self.
Winning performances included those of Meg Boyd (Margie Mills), who had one of the purest voices and the most convincing presence. As Joe Hardy (Joe Boyd's power-hitting alter ego), John Stauffer proved his character's love for the game and his wife, and sang well regardless of the range of notes. Applegate (Billy Rossiter) was appropriately funny and scary. And Julie Sowers, as Lola, also gave a clean performance, especially in "Whatever Lola Wants," which brought gasps from the audience during a minor striptease.
One of the show's strengths was the ensemble dances. If you ever thought boys couldn't dance and sing, the Ballplayers would prove you wrong. "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo." and "The Game" were both comical and superbly coordinated numbers. "Two Lost Souls," featuring almost the entire cast, consisted of cartwheels and flips and also was notable.
The minimal set used the large stage well. Differences in the numerous settings were always sufficient and curtain adjustments helped shrink the space as necessary.
Careful attention was put into the period costumes and makeup. The teams' colors were almost exclusively used throughout the show. And accenting details, such as Lola's red nail polish, made each character's role more convincing.
The cast as a whole did their best to hit home runs, and for the most part, won the show.
Another note about Sunday. The last forecast I saw was for sun and nice temperatures. If you plan to sell anything, please come at 9:00/9:30ish to help me set up. Please have priced your items to make things a little smoother/easier/faster. and PLEASE let me know if you intend on coming. so far ive got one person. is that all ? :( (though i lover her much) EDIT: Pls put your initials on the price tag for money distribution purposes - thanks