Damn Yankees!!!!
Using more than a little brains, and a little talent the cast and crew of Overbrook High School revealed their depth of skills and grit in their production of Damn Yankees!
Damn Yankees is based upon the novel. The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant, by Douglas Wallop. Debuting on Broadway in 1955 with Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and a book by George Abbot and Douglas Wallop, Damn Yankees is the story of a passionate baseball fan, Joe Boyd, who sells his soul to the devil, Mr. Applegate, in exchange to help his favorite team win the Pennant, even if it comes with some stipulations.
Overbrook High School really showed that they’ve got heart throughout the entire performance! The cast and crew worked as a cohesive unit, giving the audience beautiful sets paired with fun and vibrant performances by the cast!
The chemistry between the leads, paired with their charming charisma is palpable through every scene! Tyler Blaylock, who plays Joe Hardy, graced the audience with clear, strong vocals throughout every song. Mr. Applegate, played by Alex Rozanski, made the audience laugh with the timing of his comedic lines and the fourth wall breaks, which enhanced the audience interaction. From sitting in the audience and clapping after, “Whatever Lola Wants,” to his facial expressions and mannerisms, Rozanski could always be counted on to make the audience laugh. Savannah Mitchell, who plays Lola, embodied the character. With amazing vocals and the ability to keep her energy high not only through her dances but through her interactions with the rest of the cast as well, Mitchell kept the audience engaged throughout the performance!
The Baseball Team Ensemble- who performed numbers like “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo” and “The Game” – lit up the stage with their fun facial expressions and dynamic energy! Samantha Major, who plays Meg Boyd, along with her strong vocals and sweet, charming facial expressions and mannerisms, brought the character to life, portraying the sweet-natured character well.
The Overbrook Lighting Crew did an amazing job with the lights. From the little details on the porch light of the Boyd residence to the overall lighting of the entire show, especially with the red and purple lighting on Mr. Applegate, the lighting crew did a great job enhancing the atmosphere of the performance. Along with enhancing the atmosphere, the Overbrook Build Crew did a great job with the sets. From the Boyd Residence to the Baseball Stadium and more, the sets remained realistic throughout the performance and helped transport the audience into the 50s.
Overbrook High School’s production of Damn Yankees will make you remember those were the good old days.
by Armani Mensah of Holy Spirit High School
