TLC Musical, New Adaptations of DAMN YANKEES and PAL JOEY Will Play Arena Stage- Page 7

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 2:57pm

Apologies for taking a week since the production closed to write this, but I wanted to chime in with a few more thoughts.

I saw this production a total of 6 times, including first preview and the closing performance. I stand by the thoughts that I posted in this thread after seeing the first preview.

I remain steadfast in my assessment that it's a first-rate production and I dearly hope that the transfer happens. I echo a lot of everythingtaboo and DottieD'Luscia's thoughts - notably the fact that Ana Villafane's performance grew tremendously throughout the run. I liked her from the beginning, but by the end of the run I could absolutely tell that she had fine-tuned certain moments, she was more present, and really gave a "wow" performance that wasn't quite there in the beginning. Rob McClure and Jordan Donica were both giving a Tony-worthy performance. Bryonha Marie as well - she turned a relatively thankless role into something incredibly special. All three were absolutely spectacular and had the crowds on their feet.

What a hard-working, talented ensemble as well. Trujillo's choreography is NOT easy and this cast executed every beat, every move perfectly each time.

I was delighted to see that sales seemed to pick up as the run went on - the first couple of performances that I attended were maybe 3/4 full, but by the end they were offering standing room because the performances were selling out. The rave review in the Washington Post, as well as raves in other publications - plus extremely positive word of mouth (the word of mouth in the DC theatre community and beyond was excellent for this production) seemed to really help.

I wish I could've seen this production 6 more times. It was full of so much joy and I left with a huge smile on my face each time. I can't wait to see it on Broadway next year.

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 2:59pm

.

Updated On: 11/16/25 at 02:59 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 3:11pm

That's the plan to bring it to Broadway quickly. I can't even imagine choosing between Jordan Donica, Nicholas Christoper, and Joshua Henry for the Tony. The talent all three possess is unbelievable and such a joy to watch.

What a spectacular season this is turning out to be.

Updated On: 11/16/25 at 03:11 PM

[Ke3]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 3:19pm

Having seen it several times I agree that this iteration is much more Joe's show than it is Lola or Applegate's. I thought Ana was good! Sergio just doesn't know what to do with that role. His style leans towards impressive athleticism. Which doesn't leave much room for sultriness. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 3:42pm

Sutton Ross said: "That's the plan to bring it to Broadway quickly. I can't even imagine choosing between Jordan Donica, Nicholas Christoper, and Joshua Henry for the Tony. The talent all three possess is unbelievable and such a joy to watch.

What a spectacular season this is turning out to be."

 

For revivals...

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 3:54pm

Absolutely.

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 11/16/25 at 4:10pm

I don't think Donica would be competing against Christopher or Henry for the Tony - somebody else mentioned (I can't remember if it was somewhere in this thread or if I heard it elsewhere) that Donica is filming the next season of The Gilded Age in the spring, so a transfer would have to happen in the fall.