“Damn Yankees” is a musical from the 1950s that’s not really about the New York Yankees. Instead it’s about being faithful, caring and decent.
It’s a lovely theme, but critic Bill Gale says the current production at Ocean State Theatre just doesn’t score a homerun.
Most New Englanders are happy to see, the Yankees this season are barely playing .500 baseball.
Unfortunately, though, that’s also true of the production of “Damn Yankees” at the Ocean State. While it is capable of showing some very active, often first-rate dance numbers, and there are several nicely rendered performances, this production simply lacks the nuance that is needed, and also falls short in the all-important singing department.
The result is a show, directed by artistic leader Amiee Turner that, for sure, has its moments. But it also falls far short of the needed depth and cohesion.
Here’s the plot: Taken from the ancient German tales of Faust, a man who was willing to trade his soul for earthly gain, there’s a couple of middle-aged folk who are married and find themselves in the midst of boredom. They don’t hate each other but they are just living in a land of gray.
Enter, with cunning and power, comes “Mr. Applegate” who clearly is the Devil incarnate. He offers Joe, the hubby, a chance to become a great baseball hitter, one so good he can lead the so-so Washington Senators to World Series glory that leaves the detested Yankees in the baseball dust.
Sounds a little, shall we say, phoney? Well, actually the authors, Douglass Wallop and that Broadway master George Abbott, were after something. “Damn Yankees” is a musical pointing out that worldly success is not going to be enough. Through some lovely songs, mostly, it says that what counts, is to be true and faithful, knowing what’s important in your life.
This is best expressed with some emotionally fine and real songs such as (You’ve gotta have) “Heart” and “Near to You” a duet between the two married folk as they find that what they really need is each other.
At Ocean State, these sentiments and truths receive a second division showing. There are some fine jobs. As Applegate, a veteran New York actor Beau Allen is devilishly delightful. Tall and straight, he’s an eye-gleaming, trouble-making devil if ever there was one.
Rhode Island native Matt Gibson is a strong ballplayer and a nice tenor as a middle-aged guy turned into home run hitter. And Sally Ann Swarm, as the long suffering, left-behind wife, sings with quiet emotional power that’s gets you to and elevates her character.
On the downside, Lauren Gemelli’s singing is simply below grade as Lola in the role that made the career of Broadway icon Gwen Verdon.
Combine the fact that act one at Ocean State lasted a way overboard hour and a half along with overly high sound and a general attempt to be big, when quiet perception was needed, this “Damn Yankees” is unfortunately stuck in what was called the “second division” back in the day when baseball – and the New York Yankees – were on top.
“Damn Yankees” continues at the Ocean State Theatre Company in Warwick through July 24th. Bill Gale reviews the performing arts for Rhode Island Public Radio.
