The Canyon Theatre Guild presents the Broadway musical classic, Damn Yankees. In this light, fast-paced and devilishly clever show, the question asked is, “What would it take for you to sell your soul to the Devil? “ For middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd, it is “one good long ball hitter” for his team, the hapless Washington Senators, who always lose to the NY Yankees. So Joe makes a pact with the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate. In return, Mr. Applegate grants his wish, turning him into a 22 year-old baseball superstar.
As baseball sensation Joe Hardy transforms the Washington Senators into a winning, star team in the Major Leagues, he comes to realize the true worth of the life he’s left behind. And — the pact with the Devil includes an escape clause that might allow Joe to return to that life. Will Joe take the escape clause? Or will he get down with the Devil and Miss Lola, remaining a lost soul forever?
Damn Yankees is a home run hit, directed by Donna Manfredi and featuring a stellar cast. With the shows’ all-American subject matter and an irreverent sense of humor, baseball lover or not, Damn Yankees promises to be a fabulous time. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm on March 28, 29; April 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2014. There is one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on April 6, 2014 and a Sunday evening performance on April 13, 2014 at 6 pm.
Playing concurrently with this fine show is Clarissa’s Closet. Clarissa is an imaginative and bold young girl who loves to write and hates to clean her room, especially her closet. You see, the Clarissa’s closet fabricates a variety of characters — pirates, monsters, fish, angels, Robin Hood’s Merry Men, even a hobbit or two. The adventures that go with them as Clarissa finally attempts to conquer and clean the closet are hilarious. Magical musical numbers support the fast action and fanciful feel of the play. Director Ingrid Boydston says she’s excited to stage this extraordinary play for the families of Santa Clarita. Boydston remarked, “The play itself is just plain fun for everyone. Plus, there will be an interactive “preshow” and photo opportunities with the characters after the show. So bring the whole family and don’t forget your camera!”
Clarissa’s Closet will have performances on Saturdays and Sundays, March 29 and 30, April 5, 6 12, 19 and 20. There will be one Friday performance on April 5 at 8 p.m. and a 6 p.m. show on Sunday, April 13.
For reservations and information for either of these amazing shows, call the Canyon Theatre Guild Box Office at 661-799-2702. The Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street in beautiful Old Town Newhall.