There is quite a bit that has been changed, but it is still the same show and same story at its heart. Some songs have been re-ordered and book scenes have been replaced, but I truly didn't feel that anything detracted from the show as originally written. If anything, I think that the book is stronger than the original. It provides a really nice framework for the new setting of the show. The new racial elements of the plotline serve the story well and bring a sense of urgency to Joe's character that wasn't there before. The story is completely in tact and has a few additions that really strengthen it, especially a notable one in the second act.
The choreography is absolutely stunning and is a highlight of the show. Trujillo knows what he's doing in this department, and has employed some extremely capable dancers.
The in-the-round staging is used to the show's benefit, and there really is not a bad seat in the house. The set is a bit sparser than I would have liked, but the incredible lighting design and Trujillo's smart use of space makes up for it.
Jordan Donica is giving an absolutely beautiful performance - we all know how his voice makes us swoon, but aside from his gorgeous singing, he gives such an honest and heartfelt portrayal of Joe and has the audience on his side from the first moment he appears. Rob McClure is a lot of fun as Applegate - he lands the devilish humor well, and plays the conniving trickster with a perfect evil flare. Ana Villafane is in fine form as Lola - I think that her numbers are sadly the weak point in the show's direction. Those scenes did not always quite exude the temptation and allure required, but I did not get the impression that this is Villafane's fault. I truly think it to be a directorial error. She is in wonderful voice, dances the part beautifully, and like McClure, finds the humor in the part very well. Trujillo's direction overall worked very very well for me, but I wish that the Lola scenes could be worked a bit more or have a second set of eyes laid upon them for some tweaking.
If someone is a Damn Yankees purist, there is a lot to love here. The bones are there. They have not ruined the show or made it into something unrecognizable. It felt like good old-fashioned Broadway, but with a breath of fresh air blown into it. It never felt like they were trying too hard or shoehorning anything in, it was simply a good story being told by very capable hands. If someone is not a purist or was previously unfamiliar with the show, what a spectacular way to be introduced.
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