MTG's 'Damn Yankees' hits a grand slam
BUTLER TWP — The opening pitch of The Musical Theatre Guild's production of "Damn Yankees" Friday night was definitely over the plate.
Music director Karen O'Donnell lined up the orchestra and they let fly a rousing energetic prelude to the show.
The first act had a few errors but nothing foul enough to steal the show. Though the tempo was briefly lost it was picked up quickly and headed for home.
Several big hitters rounded out the well-casted show.
At his first at bat with the MTG, Brian Mueller, who played young Joe Hardy, hit it out of the park with the first note. His vocals were strong and clear and his acting wasn't bad either.
His sweet lament in "A Man Doesn't Know" was compelling, and the somewhat haunting "Near to You" duet with Meg, played by Tricia McConnell Eichler, was beautiful and tender.
Davlin Smith, who played the reporter Gloria, and the team were quite entertaining on the "Shoeless Joe" number. They all looked like they were having too much fun and Smith was quite the brazen showgirl. Her vocals, as always, were outta the park.
Doug Anderson, in the role of Mr. Applegate, played quite well as if evil was second nature.
Though it was hard not to see Bill Lehnerd's pinstriped suit and his cackle in his portrayal 10 years ago of Mr. Applegate, Anderson brought his own twist to the role. He finessed the vocals on "Those Were the Good Old Days" quite well.
He seemed comfortable on the stage and had believable chemistry with Lola and Joe.
Lola, the vampy temptress, was delivered by the capable Beth Ackelson who reprised the role from the show 10 years ago. She still had the moves, the vocals and the pout to make that role what it is supposed to be.
With legs that could go forever, she used her "talent" in this role for sure
The duo of Sister and Doris, played by Rikki Stupka and Amy Parker, were hilarious with Stupka hitting a home run with the audience.
Old Joe Boyd was played by TJ McMeekin and was quite believable as a man torn between the love of his life and his love for the game.
The crazy baseball team, headed up by Dean Weiland as Coach Van Buren, were quite the characters. The song "Gotta have Heart" was cute and funny, some swell vocals with some dancing mixed in made for an entertaining number.
Intermission featured refreshments in a baseball park theme and a stretch with "Take me out to the Ballgame" sung by the crowd. Several drawings for BlueSox tickets was followed by the 50/50 drawing.
Overall the director, musical director and choreographer deserve a player of the game award for pulling together a delightful evening of entertainment. They can chalk up a win with just a few minor errors.
Obviously the crowd became fans as the cast was awarded a standing ovation. The audience was rewarded by a reprisal sung by the ensemble.
The show ran about two hours.
<B>WHAT: </B>The Musical Theatre Guild's "Damn Yankees"<B>WHEN: </B>8 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE: </B>The Succop Theatre on the Butler Community College Campus<B>TICKETS: </B>$15 for adults and $12 for students. Available at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., Butler, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets also available at the door and at www.bc3.edu<B>INFO: </B>724-287-8243
