The revival of Damn Yankees (directed by Mark S. Hoebee) at Paper Mill Playhouse is—despite some imperfections—the most entertaining show I've seen at the theater this season. So much about this production is right, I left the show feeling elated. Howard McGillin—whom I've enjoyed in Phantom of the Opera and many other Broadway shows—is a delight playing the Devil who offers Joe Boyd, a middle-aged man, the chance to become a sensational young baseball player. Impressive, too, is newcomer Christopher Charles Wood, who sings gorgeously, as that young player. Joseph Kolinski, as the older Joe Boyd, and Patti Cohenour, as his wife, are appropriately warm and sympathetic. And Nancy Anderson makes every moment count as an aggressive reporter. One key role, that of Lola (played in the original Broadway production and the subsequent film by Gwen Verdon) is miscast; the role requires a performer be naturally funny, sexy, and a star. Chryssie Whitehead works quite hard—and we can feel her working the whole time—but she wasn't up to the part. Despite that, the show, with a solid book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, and a rousing score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, offers abundant rewards. Paper Mill's production values are first-rate. Take the whole family!
(Pictured: Christopher Charles Wood ,Chryssie Whitehead; photo by Ken Jacques)
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
March 11, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org
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