Date: Fri 07-Jun-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A-10

Quick Words:

Shubert-Damn-Yankees-Lewis

Full Text:

(rev "Damn Yankees" @Shubert, 6/7/96)

Theatre Review-

Backyard Broadway With Shubert & "Yankees"

(with photo)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - Jerry Lewis fans will have a ball seeing this septuagenarian comic

not only playing the devilish role of George Applegate, but doing his

"schtick" specially inserted in Act Two. This production, at the Shubert in

New Haven until June 9, marks Mr Lewis' Broadway debut.

Damn Yankees had its start at the Shubert 41 years ago, and it is still a

timeless piece dealing with family values and the Faust legend.

The musical is based on Douglas Wallop's novel, The Year The Yankees Lost The

Pennant . Working with one of Broadways's illuminaries, George Abbott, who

directed the original New Haven production, a revised script was crafted in

1995 for the Broadway revival. This is the collaborative effort of the

101-year old Abbott and director Jack O'Brien. Damn Yankees was the first

musical about baseball; it won a Tony Award in 1956 for Outstanding Musical.

There are some great songs, written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, such as

"Whatever Lola Wants," "Heart" and "Two Lost Souls." The rest of the score is

pleasant and toe-tapping.

It is the choreography that stands out, especially in the first act in the

"Lola" number and the "Blooper Ballet." Kudos go to choreographers Joey Pizzi,

Tom Fay and David Krane. The fine musical orchestra is led by conductor Robert

Hirschhorn.

The set, especially the baseball stadium, is delightful in its design. Hats

off to scenic designer Douglas Schmidt.

Top notch in the cast is David Elder, who plays Joe Hardy. His voice, acting

and timing make him a real pleasure to watch; he even looks "pure."

Although a fine dancer with a lovely voice, somehow Valerie Wright, as the

alluring Lola, was not all that believable. Gwen Verdon had a pizazz about her

in that role that just cannot be touched.

Whether intended or not, the owner of the baseball team, the Washington

Senators, looks a lot like Billy Martin. Joseph R. Sicari, who plays Van

Buren, is funny and believable as the team's manager.

This is a sentimental experience, a Broadway hit in our own backyard.

Damn Yankees is at the Shubert Performing Arts Center until Sunday, July 9.

Tickets are $28, $38 and $50, and may be purchased through the Shubert box

office (562-5666) or through Pro-Tix (800/955-5566).