Helluva good show! Who wouldn't be tempted to fall for slick Faustian Gary Marachek, with his bewitching grin, and hope he wins a mid-1950s world series away from the Bronx Bombers? Certainly not the Washington Senators' biggest fan, middle-aged Joe Boyd (portly John F. Roberson, fitting his part like a well-worn glove)! A melodious "Six Months Out of Every Year" his lovely wife Meg (glorious soprano Melliss Kenworthy) can't pry him away from his rabbit-eared TV set. Still, he insists on an escape clause when he contracts with devilish Applegate to sell his soul to help D.C. grab the pennant. Soon he's young Joe Hardy (Chris O'Brocto, okay after warming up both vocally and dramatically), joining a team with harmonious "Heart."
While journalist Gloria (smart-talking-and-moving Catherine Randazzo) investigates the team's new, sensational "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo.," manager Van Buren (convincing Roy Johns) revels in his and the team's wins. Because Joe misses his wife and home, though, Applegate calls on his cohort Lola (bewitching Jillian Johnson) to tempt him in their direction. Despite her so-o-o sexy use of more than "A Little Brains, A Little Talent" and show-stopping demonstration that "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets," Johnson's perfect, slithering Lola can't vamp Joe. No surprise that Applegate pines (punctuated by Marachek's fiendish laughter) for disasters and sins that brought about damnations in "The Good Old Days," or that he almost tricks Lola and Joe into becoming "Two Lost Souls."
Dewayne Barrett's choreography does justice to both music and lyrics, proving a small stage need not hamper inventiveness. (Take note, cruise lines!) Jillian Johnson is able to do her best Apple work to date. She joins Dewayne Barrett in a vigorous mambo, contrasting with the Senators' equally funny but stiff-lipped portrayal of painful thoughts about "The Game." Dolly Nichols and Alyson Hammond provide belly laughs as loyal fans and sympathy as Meg's friends. Ensemble work by a large cast is all a director could ask for. True, also, for the musical accompaniment. Damn Yankees leaves one wishing only for an extra inning.
