Dalton High’s ‘Damn Yankees’ brings classic comedy to stage
Ryan Hamsher, front left, Carsten Nussbaum, Ty Clark, Caleb Hofstetter, back left, Judah Hershberger and Kyle Robinson practice a number from “Damn Yankees,” the Dalton High musical set to be performed March 14-16.
Diehard Cleveland Browns fans may sympathize with middle-aged Joe Boyd in Dalton High School’s upcoming musical production of “Damn Yankees,” showing March 14, 15 and 16. Boyd makes the ultimate sacrifice to help his favorite baseball team, the Washington Senators, during their pennant race to the World Series.
“This one is very fun, especially for the boys,” said Director Robin Evans-DelCiappo, known affectionately as Mrs. ED. “Also, we have little time, and we felt this one was the most manageable for our time crunch.”
Boyd’s dedication goes to the extreme — he sells his soul to the Devil, also known as Mr. Applegate. Applegate transforms Boyd into a younger, fitter version of himself, Joe Hardy, who becomes the Senators’ star player, leading them to the World Series. But his newfound success comes at a price. Boyd leaves behind his wife and the life he once cherished. In the end Joe Hardy finds a clever way to outsmart Applegate, but the question remains: Will Boyd, back in his middle-aged body, make the game-winning catch?
According to Music Theatre International, “Damn Yankees” is a “home run hit” with its all-American charm and devilishly clever humor.
Ely Hutson, who plays Mr. Applegate, said he is excited to portray the sly, manipulative character. “I like the idea of playing the Devil. I enjoy the attitude of the role and how sly the character is. It makes it fun to play a part like that, even if I do lose in the end,” Hutson said.
To memorize his lines, Hutson uses a step-by-step approach: He first reads a line until he memorizes it, then moves to the next. Once he learns a new line, he recites all the previous ones to reinforce his memory. For songs he listens to versions online while following along with the lyrics.
The greatest challenge for Hutson is figuring out how to embody his character. “It takes a while to really understand your character and how they act,” he said.
He watches other renditions and draws inspiration from various interpretations before putting his own spin on the role.
Senior Emileigh Geiser, who plays Meg Boyd, Joe’s wife, is stepping out of her comfort zone. Having worked on the crew for four years, she’s now in the spotlight.
“I tried out for the musical to do something different. I thought it would be fun to be in the production and not just behind the scenes,” Geiser said. “I think my character is just like me. She can be salty but has a big heart at the same time.”
For Evans-DelCiappo and fellow Directors Heather Carr, Louis DelCiappo and Julie Nussbaum, coordinating rehearsals has been challenging due to students’ schedules.
“Most of the Drama Dawgs are also involved in sports and other extracurriculars, which can make setting practice times difficult,” Evans-DelCiappo said. “But these students are always very committed and willing to put their all into their roles. They have great singing and great acting skills.”
Emma West, who plays Sister, is looking forward to one last musical with her friends before graduation. “There are so many things I appreciate about Mrs. ED, and it’s hard to just highlight one. She is such an inspiration to me, and there would be no show without her time and dedication to us,” West said.
The cast agrees working with Evans-DelCiappo is a highlight of their theater experience.
“Everyone is so much fun to work with. Mrs. ED is always willing to answer our questions (even if they are dumb), as well as work with our sports and other schedules. There truly is no better director,” Geiser said.
“Damn Yankees” will be performed at Dalton High School on March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on March 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased ahead of time or at the door if available. A senior citizens’ dress rehearsal is scheduled for March 13 at 9 a.m. Community members can call 330-828-2261 for more information.