Review: Conservatory has hit with 'Damn Yankees'

View larger image A sportswriter, played by Brianna Galligan, and members of the Washington Senators sing the praises of the team’s rookie phenom in a scene from “Damn Yankees” at Shenandoah Conservatory. Courtesy photo Recommend This Print This Get E-mail News Alerts Buy Photos/Page Reprints * Breaking News If local news is breaking and you know about it: * Call Us: 800-296-5137 * E-mail Us * Upload Your Photos

By John Horan Jr. -- jhoran@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- Shenandoah Conservatory hits a home run with its production of the classic Broadway baseball musical "Damn Yankees."

The often dazzling show, directed by Jonathan Flom, features strong musical performances, clever choreography, numerous comic touches, gorgeous sets and costumes and a standout seductress.

The amusing story, by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, transplants the Faustian legend about a man selling his soul to the devil onto a diehard middle-aged fan of the old Washington Senators, long the doormats of the American League. He morphs into Joe Hardy, a 22-year-old rookie phenom determined to vanquish the hated New York Yankees and win a pennant for Washington.

Enter Lola, the vamp the devilish Mr. Applegate summons to tempt Hardy and trump the escape clause he granted in a weak moment.

Though secondary to the main plot, Lola requires someone who excels as singer, dancer and actor. The role made a star of Gwen Verdon, who originated it on Broadway, and Nadia Harika, Shenandoah's Lola, more than fills the bill.

Contrary to her opening number "A Little Brains, A Little Talent," Harika has bountiful supplies of both and knows how to use them. She can be kittenish or brash. She becomes a suave Latina during "Whatever Lola Wants," coyly using every feminine wile to distract Hardy from the strait and narrow, and she dances up a storm, with Nate Golden, in "Who's Got The Pain?"

Rob Mobley is a suave devil, consistently funny but more wily than evil.

Michael Ehlers, as Hardy, is the consummate good guy, but he and Kristen Lynn, his loyal, forsaken wife, express palpable longing in their scenes, an emotion Will Goodwin, the middle-aged Joe, also conveys. All three sing beautifully.

Brianna Gilligan is the brash, nosy reporter, who also cavorts atop the dugout with the players.

As in baseball, teamwork is crucial to "Damn Yankees" and the Shenandoah cast shines. The exuberant "Heart" is rousingly sung by Joey Moray as the crusty manager and Golden, Jonathan Baird and Jeremy Ward, and the whole team is engrossing in "The Game."

William Pierson's inventive sets also include a grandstand, the devil's swanky hotel suite and a spectacular sparkly red curtain that serves as a backdrop for Applegate's lone song.

Allan Arnett's choreography is imaginative and multifaceted, even incorporating team calisthenics.

Jennifer Flitton Adams supplies the costumes, including Lola's stylish outfits.

Wm. McConnell Bozman's lighting is serviceable but noticeably dim in some latter scenes.

"Damn Yankees" continues at the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre today at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The box office phone number is 665-4569.