It is a momentous year for theatergoers and sports fans alike. The Ogunquit Playhouse is in the midst of celebrating its 80th anniversary. To make the special season all the more eventful, Bradford T. Kenney, executive artistic director, has invited a party guest who’s remained near and dear in the hearts of New England baseball enthusiasts for a century.

That’s right. Boston’s Fenway Park turned 100 this year. And, Ogunquit’s new adaptation of “Damn Yankees” is one “hell” of way to celebrate both the playhouse and Fenway’s impressive milestones.

The production gives a New England twist to the popular Adler and Ross musical comedy by moving the setting to Fenway Park, and pitting the Red Sox against the New York Yankees. The “Curse of the Bambino” has never been so much fun for Red Sox Nation.

With the Red Sox foundering in last place in the AL East and David Ortiz on the disabled list, die-hard Red Sox fans haven’t had much to smile about these days. “Damn Yankees” definitely puts the fun back into America’s favorite pastime.

The home of the Red Sox isn’t the only high-profile star on Ogunquit’s guest list. Emmy-winning fashion guru Carson Kressley of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” returns to the playhouse following a 12-week run of “Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas.”

Kressley made his Ogunquit debut in 2010 as the Man in the Chair in “Drowsy Chaperone.” This time around, he’s devilishly tackling the role of Mr. Applegate. He hit a home run in laughs Friday night with wry impishness, offhand fashion quips and wickedly funny lines such as “Heck, you’re even batting .666.”

To date, “Damn Yankees” is the only musical that’s successfully brought baseball to the theatrical stage.

Part of the musical’s appeal lies in its creative spin on the age-old Faustian tale. Honestly, what devoted baseball fan wouldn’t at least consider selling his soul to the devil for a chance to lead his team to victory?

In this rendition, Red Sox fan Joe Boyd (D.C. Anderson) does just that, striking a deal with Mr. Applegate to become the team’s saving grace, “one long-ball hitter” Joe “Shoeless” Hardy (Sam Prince).

Anderson entertainingly plays up the all-consuming obsession that grips his character, a man married to baseball six months of the year. Prince lives up to his name, charming the audience with his all-American looks and enchanting vocals. The two deliver a memorable duet on “Near to You.”

It’s a strong cast that includes Allison Briner as Joe’s baseball-widow wife, Meg; Jennifer Cody as the relentless reporter, Gloria; Susan Mosher (Sister) and Terry Palasz (Doris) as Meg’s support group; and Ray DeMattis) as coach Van Buren.

Of course, the tale wouldn’t be complete without a sexy seductress. Erin Denman heats up the stages as the devil’s hottie, Lola.

An impressive group of singers and dancers fill out the Red Sox team roster. Their rendition of “The Red Sucks Ballet,” choreographed by director Jeffrey Denman, is a must-see treat for Red Sox and Yankees fans alike.

Although it’s not always true that “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets,” audiences can trust that whatever the audience wants, the audience gets with this production.

It’s got infectious songs, a lively cast and a fun-filled story line that’s perfectly tailored for New England audiences. The bases are loaded this 80th season, and Ogunquit Playhouse is hitting it out of the park with this one.

April Boyle is a free-lance writer from Casco. She can be contacted at:

aprilhboyle@yahoo.com

Copy the Story Link