Damn Yankees

This article is about the Broadway musical. For the film adaptations of the musical, seeDamn Yankees (1958 film)andDamn Yankees! (1967 film).For the rock band, seeDamn Yankees (band).

Damn Yankees
1955 original cast recording
Music	Richard Adler&Jerry Ross
Lyrics	Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
Book	George Abbott Douglass Wallop
Basis	The Year the Yankees Lost the PennantbyDouglass Wallop
Productions	1955Broadway 1957West End 1958film 1967 U.S. television 1994Broadwayrevival 1997West Endrevival 2008 Encores! Summer Stars 2017Off-Broadway
Awards	Tony Award for Best Musical

Damn Yankeesis a 1955musical comedywith a book byGeorge AbbottandDouglass Wallop,music and lyrics byRichard AdlerandJerry Ross.The story is amodern retellingof theFaustlegendset during the 1950s in Washington, D.C., during a time when theNew York YankeesdominatedMajor League Baseball.It is based on Wallop's 1954 novelThe Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant.

The show ran for 1,019 performances in its originalBroadwayproduction. Adler and Ross's success with it andThe Pajama Gameseemed to point to a bright future for them, but Ross suddenly died of chronicbronchiectasisat age 29, several months afterDamn Yankeesopened.

Plot

Note: This is the plot of the 1994 Broadway revival of the show; there are differences from the original 1955 version. For the 1958 film version, seeDamn Yankees(film).

Middle-aged real estate agent Joe Boyd is a long-suffering fan of the patheticWashington Senatorsbaseballteam. His wife, Meg, laments this ( "Six Months Out Of Every Year" ). After she has gone to bed, he sits up late, grumbling that if the Senators just had a "long ball hitter" they could beat "those damn Yankees". Suddenly, the smooth-talking Mr. Applegate appears. He offers Joe the chance to become "Joe Hardy", the young slugger the Senators need. He accepts, even though he must leave Meg ( "Goodbye Old Girl" ). However, his business sense makes him insist on an escape clause. The Senators' last game is on September 25, and if he plays in it, he is to stay as Joe Hardy forever. If not, he has until 9:00 the night before to walk away from the deal and return to his normal life.

At the ballpark, the hapless Senators vow to play their best despite their failings ( "Heart" ). Then Joe Hardy is suddenly discovered and joins the team. Gloria Thorpe, a sports reporter, praises him ( "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo" ). His hitting prowess enables the team to move up in the standings.

Though Joe is increasingly successful, he truly misses Meg and moves into her house as aboarderin his persona as Joe Hardy. They begin to bond, especially over her "lost" husband ( "A Man Doesn't Know" ). Fearful of losing his deal, Applegate calls Lola, "the best homewrecker on [his] staff", to seduce Joe and ensure his loss of the bet. She promises to deliver ( "A Little Brains, A Little Talent" ), and Applegate introduces her as a sultry South American dancer named "Señorita Lolita Banana". She sings a seductive song ( "Whatever Lola Wants"), but Joe's devotion to Meg proves too strong, even for her. Applegate punishes her by firing her, where she performs with other past workers for Applegate (" Who's Got the Pain ").

Applegate decides to switch tactics to ensure Joe's failure. He releases false information about Joe's true identity being "Shifty McCoy", an escaped criminal andcon artist.When Gloria discovers this information, she presses charges, and he is forced into court.

The Senators prepare for the final game against the Yankees for the pennant and worry about Joe, but they vow to think of nothing but winning ( "The Game" ). Meanwhile, angry fans are seeking him out, so he decides to leave home. As he does so, he hints to Meg that her old husband is nearby ( "Near to You" ). Meanwhile, Applegate is exhausted by the work he has put into winning one bet and thinks about the "simpler" times in his long history ( "Those Were the Good Old Days" ).

Joe's trial is held on September 24, the last day he can back out of his deal. As he technically does not exist, he cannot produce any kind of identification. The owner of the Senators, their coach, and even Lola (disguised as "Señora McCoy" ) testify, but their opinions carry no weight. Gloria suggests that Applegate take the stand, but he is unable to take the oath since it requires him to tell the truth. Joe realizes that Applegate is simply stalling to keep him from meeting his 9:00 deadline. Applegate claims that Joe "just needs time to think" and sends him to where Lola is, where history's most famous lovers wait. Lola meets him there and realizes that he truly loves Meg. She helps him by sending him into the final game and delays Applegate by coercing him into a duet ( "Two Lost Souls" ).

When Applegate finally arrives at the game, it is 8:55, and Joe is at bat. As time runs out, Meg, her friends, and even Lola begin cheering for him. Applegate uses his powers to give Joe two strikes. The clock strikes nine, and Applegate claims victory, but at the last second, Joe cries, "Let me go!" The deal is broken, and he reverts to his old self but is still able to hit a home run, winning the pennant for the Senators.

Back at home, Joe rushes into Meg's arms. Applegate appears on the scene, claiming that Joe owes him his prize. He begs Meg to hold him and not let go, and she begins to sing ( "Finale (A Man Doesn't Know)" ). Applegate promises to make him young again and even ensure aWorld Seriesvictory. But his powers are useless against their true love, which Lola points out. He shouts that such a thing cannot exist, but he is wrong. He and Lola vanish back to where they came from, defeated, with Joe and Meg united.

Productions

Original Broadway production

The producersFrederick Brisson, Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Princehad decided that the lead actress for the part of "Lola" had to be a dancer. They offered the role to both the movie actressMitzi Gaynorand ballet dancerZizi Jeanmaire,each of whom turned down the role. AlthoughGwen Verdonhad sung just one song in her previous show (Can-Can), the producers were willing to take a chance on her. She initially refused, preferring to assist another choreographer, but finally agreed. ChoreographerBob Fosseinsisted on meeting her before working with her, and after meeting and working for a brief time, they each agreed to the arrangement.This was the start of an artistic and personal partnership between Fosse and Verdon, who married in 1960.

The show opened onBroadwayat the46th Street Theatreon May 5, 1955, transferred to theAdelphi Theatreon May 17, 1957, and ran for a total of 1,019 performances. It was directed byGeorge Abbott,with scenery and costumes byWilliam and Jean Eckart,dances and musical numbers staged by Fosse, musical direction by Hal Hastings, orchestrations byDon Walker,and dance music arrangements by Roger Adams.

The show starredRay Walston(Applegate), Verdon (Lola),Shannon Bolin(Meg), Robert Shafer (Joe Boyd), Elizabeth Howell (Doris),Stephen Douglass(Joe Hardy), Al Lanti (Henry), Eddie Phillips (Sohovik), Nathaniel Frey (Smokey), Albert Linville (Vernon, Postmaster),Russ Brown(Van Buren),Jimmy Komack(Rocky),Rae Allen(Gloria), Cherry Davis (Teenager), Del Horstmann (Lynch, Commissioner), Richard Bishop (Welch), Janie Janvier (Miss Weston), andJean Stapleton(Sister).

Original West End production

AWest Endproduction played at theLondon Coliseumbeginning on March 28, 1957, where it played for 258 performances.It starred Olympic skaterBelita(aka Gladys Lyne Jepson-Turner) as Lola, but the Fosse choreography was alien to her style, and she was replaced byElizabeth Seal.It also starredBill Kerras Applegate, andIvor Emmanuelas Joe Hardy.

In the mid-1970s,Vincent Pricestarred as Applegate in summer stock productions of the show. In the late 1970s and early 1980s film actorVan Johnsondid so in productions throughout the U.S.A. In July, 1981, a production was performed at theJones Beach Marine TheaterinWantagh, New York.It was notable due to formerNew York JetsquarterbackJoe Namathbeing cast in the role of Joe Boyd.

Broadway revival

A Broadway revival opened at theMarquis Theatreon March 3, 1994 and ran for 519 performances and 33 previews. Featured wereJarrod Emickas Joe Hardy, winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical,Bebe Neuwirthas Lola andVictor Garberas Applegate. Garber was succeeded byJerry Lewis,making his Broadway debut, on March 12, 1995,who then starred in a national tour and also played the role in a London production.Jack O'Briendirected, with choreography byRob Marshall,assisted by his sister,Kathleen.O'Brien is also credited with revisions to the book.

West End revival

The 1994 revival production opened in theWest Endat theAdelphi Theatreon June 4, 1997 (previews started May 29) and closed on August 9, 1997. Jerry Lewis reprised his role as Applegate and April Nixon played Lola.

North Shore Music Theatre

In 2006,North Shore Music TheatreinBeverly, Massachusetts,presented a revised production with theWashington Senatorsreplaced with the Yankees' traditional rivals, theBoston Red Sox.The revised book was written, with permission, byJoe DiPietro

Reprise! Broadway's Best

In 2007,Reprise! Broadway's Bestproduced a revival.Jason Alexanderdirected, resetting the show to 1981 Los Angeles and making changes to accommodate a largely African-American and Hispanic cast.It opened November 7, 2007 and ran through November 25.

Encores!

A revival was produced by theCity CenterEncores!Summer Stars series from July 5 to July 27, 2008. It starredJane Krakowskias Lola,Sean Hayesas Applegate,Randy Graffas Meg,Megan Lawrenceas Gloria Thorpe (replacing an injuredAna Gasteyerduring rehearsal),P. J. Benjaminas Joe Boyd, andCheyenne Jacksonas Joe Hardy.John Randodirected and the original Fosse choreography was reproduced by Mary MacLeod. Given the substantial changes in the 1994 revival, this is considered by some the first authentic revival of the original production.

Off-Broadway benefit performance

A one-night-onlyoff-Broadwaybenefit performance was staged byRoundabout Theatre Company.The benefit, which was directed byKathleen Marshall,occurred on December 11, 2017. It starredStephen Bogardusas Joe Boyd,Matthew Morrisonas Joe Hardy,Victoria Clarkas Meg,Maggie Gyllenhaalas Lola,Whoopi Goldbergas agender-bentApplegate,Danny Burnsteinas Van Buren, andAdrienne Warrenas Gloria. It was produced by Scott Landis,Jerry Frankel,and Jay and Cindy Gutterman.

Musical numbers

Based on hand engraved materials originally available from Music Theatre International derived from the 1955 production

Act One

• Overture — Orchestra
• Curtain Act 1 — Orchestra
• Six Months — Meg Boyd, Joe Boyd, Men, and Girls
• Devil Music — Orchestra
• Goodbye Old Girl — Joe Boyd and Joe Hardy
• Heart — Van Buren, Smoky, Rocky, Vernon
• Heart Encore — Van Buren, Smoky, Rocky, Vernon
• Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo. — Gloria Thorpe, Boys, Senators
• Shoeless Joe Dance — Orchestra
• A Man Doesn't Know — Joe Hardy
• Lola — Orchestra
• A Little Talent — Lola
• Goodbye (Reprise) — Orchestra
• A Man Doesn't Know (Reprise) — Joe Hardy, Meg
• Whatever Lola Wants(with Dance Break) — Lola
• Not Meg — Orchestra
• Heart (Reprise) — Men
• Chairs Fanfare — Orchestra
• Who's Got The Pain? (with Double Dance Breaks) — Lola & Men (Street Band)
• Act 1 Finale (New Shoeless Joe Finale) — Orchestra

Act Two

• Entr'Acte — Orchestra
• Opening Act 2 — Orchestra
• The Game — Senators
• Near to You — Joe Hardy and Meg Boyd
• Good Old Days — Applegate
• Days Encore — Applegate
• Courtroom Blackout — Orchestra
• Two Lost Souls (with Dance) — Lola and Joe Hardy
• Devil Music — Orchestra
• Shoeless Joe (Reprise) — Orchestra
• Back Home — Orchestra
• Finale (A Man Doesn't Know) — Meg and Joe Boyd
• Bows (Heart) — Orchestra
• Exit March — Orchestra

Based on 1994 revival

Act One

• Overture
• Six Months Out Of Every Year — Meg Boyd, Joe Boyd, Sister, Gloria Thorpe, Husbands, and Wives
• Goodbye Old Girl — Joe Boyd and Joe Hardy
• Blooper Ballet — The Senators
• Heart — Van Buren, Smokey, Rocky, Linville
• Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo. — Gloria Thorpe, Senators
• Shoeless Joe (Reprise) — Gloria Thorpe, Joe Hardy, and Ensemble (1994 revival only, used elements of the song in the style of retro-1950s commercials)
• A Little Brains, a Little Talent — Lola
• A Man Doesn't Know — Joe Hardy and Meg Boyd
• Whatever Lola Wants — Lola

Act Two

• Who's Got the Pain? — Lola and Senators (Originally, this came at the end of Act One, as "The Game" started Act Two)
• The Game — Rocky, Smokey, and Senators
• Near to You — Joe Hardy and Meg Boyd (1994 IBDB shows the addition of Joe Boyd)
• Those Were the Good Old Days — Applegate
• Two Lost Souls — Lola and Applegate (1994 IBDB shows Applegate, 1955 IBDB shows Hardy)
• A Man Doesn't Know (Reprise) — Meg and Joe Boyd

Notable casts and characters

Character	Original Broadway 1955	Original West End 1957	Toronto 1988	Broadway Revival 1994	West End Revival 1997	Encores! 2008	Off-Broadway 2017
Joe Boyd	Robert Shafer	Phil Vickers	James Hobson	Dennis Kelly		PJ Benjamin	Stephen Bogardus
Joe Hardy	Stephen Douglass	Ivor Emmanuel	Davis Gaines	Jarrod Emick	John-Michael Flate	Cheyenne Jackson	Matthew Morrison
Meg Boyd	Shannon Bolin	Betty Paul	Maida Rogerson	Linda Stephens	Joy Franz	Randy Graff	Victoria Clark
Lola	Gwen Verdon	Belita	Moira Walley-Beckett	Bebe Neuwirth	April Nixon	Jane Krakowski	Maggie Gyllenhaal
Mr. Applegate	Ray Walston	Bill Kerr	Avery Saltzman	Victor Garber	Jerry Lewis	Sean Hayes	Whoopi Goldberg
Van Buren	Russ Brown	Donald Stewart	Michael Fawkes	Dick Latessa	Richie Mastascusa	Michael Mulheren	Danny Burstein
Gloria Thorpe	Rae Allen	Judy Bruce	Pamela Gerrand	Vicki Lewis	Ellen Grosso	Megan Lawrence	Adrienne Warren

Original Broadway replacements

Source

• Meg Boyd:Charlotte Fairchild
• Lola:Sheila Bond,Gretchen Wyler,Devra Korwin
• Applegate:Howard Caine
• Gloria:Sally Brown

Original West End replacements

• Applegate:Vincent Price,Van Johnson

Broadway Revival replacements

• Joe Hardy:Eric Kunze,Jason Workman
• Lola:Charlotte d'Amboise
• Applegate:Jerry Lewis
• Gloria:Liz Larsen

Characters

• Joe Boyd — A middle-aged, overweight married man who is in love with baseball, especially the Senators [the "older" Joe Hardy]
• Joe Hardy — The 22-year-old, home-run-hitting transformation of Joe Boyd
• Meg Boyd — Joe's loyal, traditional wife
• Lola — The Devil's seductress assistant
• Mr. Applegate — The Devil in disguise as a slick salesman
• Van Buren — The hard working manager of the Senators with great heart but no luck
• Gloria Thorpe — A probing reporter
• Rocky — A baseball player for the Senators
• Smokey — A "dim bulb" catcher for the Senators
• Cherry — A friend of Meg
• Doris — A friend of Meg
• Sister — A friend of Meg
• Mr. Welch — The owner of the Senators
• Others: Bouley (also called Ibsen in some productions), Vernon, Henry, Linville, Sohovik, Lowe, Mickey, Del, Miss Weston, Postmaster and The Commissioner
• Baseball players and batboys; Baseball fans' wives

(The original Broadway version also had a children's chorus who sang the reprise of "Heart" )

Recordings, film, and television

The 1955 Original Broadway Cast recording is on RCA Victor, recorded May 8, 1955. The LP was originally issued in mono but in 1965 RCA Victor offered an electronic stereo version. The current CD edition was released in 1988.RCA Victor also released the film soundtrack in 1958. Although recorded in stereo, only the mono version was released. The 1989 CD edition marked the first release of the recording in stereo. The 1994 Broadway revival cast recording made by Mercury (and now on the Decca Broadway label) was released on May 17, 1994.

A film version,directed by George Abbott andStanley Donen,was released in 1958. With the exception ofTab Hunterin the role of Joe Hardy (replacingStephen Douglass), the Broadway principals reprised their stage roles.

Amade-for-TV movie versionwas broadcast on April 8, 1967, onNBC.Phil Silversplayed Applegate. Also starring wereLee Remickas Lola andRay Middletonas Joe Boyd.

In 1983, Ray Walston expressed interest in recreating Applegate inRaisin' Cane,a new musical in which the devil returns to ruin Broadway. In a spin onDamn Yankees,this time Applegate takes a young girl and grows her up and gets her the lead in a Broadway show, planning to change her back, bankrupting all the investors. Book, music and lyrics are by San Francisco Bay Area writer/lyricist/composer Ted Kopulos.

In 2009, it was announced that a new contemporary film adaptation of the musical will starJim Carreyas Applegate andJake Gyllenhaalas Joe Hardy.No further announcements about this adaptation have been made since (as of December 2023).

Awards and nominations

Original Broadway production

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result
1956	Tony Award	Best Musical		Won
		Best Performance By a Leading Actor in a Musical	Ray Walston	Won
			Stephen Douglass	Nominated
		Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical	Gwen Verdon	Won
		Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical	Russ Brown	Won
		Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical	Rae Allen	Nominated
		Best Conductor and Musical Director	Hal Hastings	Won
		Best Choreography	Bob Fosse	Won
		Best Stage Technician	Harry Green	Won

1994 Broadway revival

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result
1994	Tony Award	Best Revival of a Musical		Nominated
		Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical	Victor Garber	Nominated
		Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical	Jarrod Emick	Won
		Best Choreography	Rob Marshall	Nominated
	Drama Desk Award	Outstanding Revival of a Musical		Nominated
		Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical	Jarrod Emick	Won
		Outstanding Orchestrations	Douglas Besterman	Nominated
	Theatre World Award		Jarrod Emick	Won

1997 London revival

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result
1998	Laurence Olivier Award	Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production		Nominated
		Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical	April Nixon	Nominated
		Best Theatre Choreographer	Rob Marshall	Nominated

External links

• ​Damn Yankees​at theInternet Broadway Database
• Damn YankeesatIMDb(1958 film)
• Damn Yankeesat the Music Theatre International website
• Damn Yankees (1967 TV production)atIMDb
• Henry, William A. III(March 14, 1994)."Damn Yankees Is Back At Bat".Time.Review of the revival
• Profile at Broadwaymusicalhome.com
• Profile at Stageagent.com
• Damn Yankeeslyrics
• Information and links about the musical from Theatrehistory.com
• Information from Thebroadwaymusicals.com websiteArchived2007-07-03 at theWayback Machine