TLC Musical, New Adaptations of DAMN YANKEES and PAL JOEY Will Play Arena Stage- Page 5

[George in DC]

Posted: 9/18/25 at 1:58pm

theatrejunkie007 said: "ACL2006 said: "Would Damn Yankees need to play at Circle in the Square? Assuming Just In Time closes in January."

Circle in the Square would be a good setup for the current Damn Yankees format. However we definitely cannot assume that Just In Time will close in January. They’re not going to close a big hit show with this kind of momentum. It’s just not prudent. It may seem impossible to think about replacing Groff, but rest assured, I’d bet they’ve been thinking about this issue/scenario since before the show opened.

August Wilson seems to be the appropriate spot for Damn Yankees since it’s opened as of now."

 

According to articles, the earliest Damn Yankees could get to Broadway is Fall 2026. Jordan Donica is filming "The Gilded Age" this spring.

 

[theatrejunkie007]

Posted: 9/18/25 at 2:11pm

everythingtaboo said: "Sad to see that Giuseppe Bausilio sustained an injury that will keep him out of the rest of the DC run. He was one of the reasons I was going to see it, it's such a great ensemble."

awe dang I hate to hear that. 

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/19/25 at 11:16am

I saw this last night, and although I enjoyed it, I don't think a transfer would fare well. There was no need to tinker with the book or the order of songs. The one change I didn't mind was changing the Washington Senators to the Baltimore Orioles. 

What I liked. Jordan Donica. What a voice and perfectly cast as Joe Hardy. The choreography was fun. He had great chemistry with Brionha Marie (Meg). The baseball players were excellent. I enjoyed the pre-opening of Act 2. Rob McClure was good as Applegate. Ana Villafane is very talented, but I feel she was misdirected and suffers from some of the changes to the book. Quentin Earl Darrington's (older Joe) role is diminished as his part was cut in Near to You. There was only a modified court scene.

My major complaint is that the sound was off. I've been seeing shows at Arena Stage for 25 years and it's the first time that the sound was an issue for me. 

The audience was very enthusiastic and I'll definitely see it again. I'd love to see this cast preform the show as originally written.

[BdwyFan]

Posted: 9/19/25 at 12:29pm

What a fantastic production!  To me it totally works.  The casting, direction and choreography are top notch.  I do think this will do very well once they bring to Broadway.  Of course it would financially help if there is a Star name attached somehow. In any of the roles.  🤔

[LetTheSunshineIn2]

Posted: 9/20/25 at 7:00pm

Just back from the matinee.  Performance started about 25 min late due to an issue with the sound so they definitely have some sort of bug in their system, which I agree with Dottie is rare for Arena.  I was sitting near the sound board and there were two techs there through all of act I looking anxious as they ran the show.  A couple of spots where the mic volumes were a little uneven but they largely pulled it off.  

As far as where to sit, I agree with Gingerbread Man that you really can't go wrong wherever you sit as it is well-directed in the round, but if I were to go again, I'd probably pick North or South (I was in the West).

This was my first production of Damn Yankees so I can't comment on the changes from the original, but I thought the choreo was excellent and there were strong performances from all involved.  For me, it was an enjoyable afternoon, but not something I'll be telling people they just have to go see.  I do think it would fit well in Circle in the Square and I hope that if they do take it to Broadway that it succeeds- there's a lot of good work there.  

[lastmidnights]

Posted: 9/20/25 at 9:36pm

This is pure speculation, because I haven't heard anything about them stunt casting. But if they needed to, do we think Applegate and Lola are the way to go? Maybe a Latin pop star for Lola, like Karol G, Rosalia, Becky G. 

[George in DC]

Posted: 9/20/25 at 10:59pm

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Updated On: 9/20/25 at 10:59 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 9/21/25 at 9:49am

George in DC said: "theatrejunkie007 said: "ACL2006 said: "Would Damn Yankees need to play at Circle in the Square? Assuming Just In Time closes in January."

Circle in the Square would be a good setup for the current Damn Yankees format. However we definitely cannot assume that Just In Time will close in January. They’re not going to close a big hit show with this kind of momentum. It’s just not prudent. It may seem impossible to think about replacing Groff, but rest assured, I’d bet they’ve been thinking about this issue/scenario since before the show opened.

August Wilson seems to be the appropriate spot for Damn Yankees since it’s opened as of now."



According to articles, the earliest Damn Yankees could get to Broadway is Fall 2026.Jordan Donica is filming "The Gilded Age" this spring.

"

Or Donica gets replaced by a "name".

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 9/21/25 at 11:52am

lastmidnights said: "This is pure speculation, because I haven't heard anything about them stunt casting. But if they needed to, do we think Applegate and Lola are the way to go? Maybe a Latin pop star for Lola, like Karol G, Rosalia, Becky G."

The producers 100% intend the transfer the show with this cast in tact.

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 9/21/25 at 12:29pm

DC THEATER ARTS - Electrifying ‘Damn Yankees’ at Arena Stage hits it out of the park: https://dctheaterarts.org/2025/09/21/electrifying-damn-yankees-at-arena-stage-hits-it-out-of-the-park/

BROADWAY WORLD - Review: DAMN YANKEES at Arena Stage Starring Rob McClure, Ana Villafañe & Jordan Donica: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Review-DAMN-YANKEES-at-Arena-Stage-Starring-Rob-McClure-Ana-Villafae-Jordan-Donica-20250920