Damn Yankees

November 6th, 2007
Reprise!, UCLA Freud Theatre
Musical, we took Rachel


Directed by Jason Alexander
Starring: Ken Page, Armelia McQueen, Lillias White, Jackee Harry, Lesli Margherita, Hassan El-Amin, Cleavant Derricks, Meg Gillentine and Ty Taylor


Once again, Reprise! delivers.

I never thought I would see Ken Page and Armelia McQueen together again, let alone alongside Cleavant Derricks, Lillias White and the rest of this solid and impressive group of singers and actors. Living out here and being so far from New York, Reprise! brings us the talent we miss seeing most.

(Ty Taylor, Jackee Harry and Lillias White)

(Ty Tyalor and Meg Gillentine)

Using an African-American-centric cast in "Damn Yankees" was not only brilliant (and thrilling), but very natural. The music and the story are of course a guarantee, but to cram this production with such larger-than-life talent is worth just about any ticket price.

(Cleavant Derricks as The Devil)

The highlights for us were definitely the trio of Ty Taylor with Ken Page and Armelia McQueen (Near to You), some quirky choreography, and Lesli Margherita and company singing "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal Mo." Armelia and Ken couldn't have been more appealing (A Man Doesn't Know), and as expected, Lillias White brought down the house with an energized and heartfelt gospel version of "Heart (reprise)." With Armelia and Ken as Meg and Joe, the show has plenty of heart, that's for sure. You really feel how much these two love each other. And for this show, that's crucial. It was great to see Ty Taylor again (see "CHESS" below).

This one is one for the memory book.
Playing now through the 25th! Don't miss it!


(photos by Michale Lamont, special thank-you to Peter Goldman of Davidson & Choy Publicity for the wonderful photos!)