Fans of both Broadway and top-tier talent have reason to look forward to 2027, as a star-studded revival of 'Damn Yankees' is officially slated for the Great White Way. According to a report by Deadline, Neil Patrick Harris, celebrated for his extensive work across stage and screen, will lead the cast as the charmingly sinister Mr. Applegate.
The announcement, made during an event at Yankee Stadium, also confirmed that Julianne Hough, known for her dancing prowess and acting roles, will play the alluring Lola, Mr. Applegate's seductive assistant. Austin Scott, recognized for his performances on Broadway and television, rounds out the principal cast as the susceptible young baseballer, Joe Boyd.
This new iteration of the 1955 musical comedy is scheduled to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on March 24, 2027, with its official opening night set for April 20. The timing is particularly apt, falling just one day before the first Yankees game of the season, a nod to the musical's enduring baseball theme.
The production promises a contemporary twist on the classic story. While the original focused on a Washington Senators fan, this updated version is set in the year 2000 and features an impassioned Baltimore Orioles supporter, Joe Boyd, who makes a Faustian bargain for his team's success. The creative team bringing this vision to life includes director and choreographer Sergio Trujillo. The musical will feature a new book penned by Will Power and Doug Wright, with additional lyrics contributed by Lynn Ahrens. Further casting details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
'Damn Yankees,' with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and an original book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, tells the tale of a middle-aged baseball fanatic who sells his soul to the devil to help his favorite team win the pennant. With a compelling story and memorable songs like 'Whatever Lola Wants,' the musical has captivated audiences for decades. This upcoming revival, featuring a stellar cast and a modernized approach, is poised to bring the magic of 'Damn Yankees' to a new generation of theatergoers.
