Moorpark College’s new musical “Damn Yankees” scored a home run out of the opening weekend.

The musical features an old fan of the Washington Senators who makes a deal with the Devil to become the rookie star of the team. Leaving behind his beloved wife, it is only after he makes the deal that he realizes what he has at home. Mr. Applegate, the Devil, agrees upon an escape clause with Joe Hardy, the young talent. In order to avoid the clause, Applegate attempts to introduce a seductress, Lola, in an attempt to keep the soul of Joe. The musical is a comedy featuring famous songs from its original debut in 1955.

Comedic timing and great musical ensembles including the famous song beginning with “You Gotta have Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants” kept the musical entertaining and moving.  Joe Hardy played by Moorpark College student Matthew Rawles superbly captured his role and the emotional struggle of the character. Mr. Applegate, played by Jeff Wallach, and Lola, performed by Elizabeth Garcia, created magic together while adding dry humor to the baseball musical. Director Marilyn Anderson upholds this musical and used the entire array of songs for this performance.

“It’s one of the most famous shows on Broadway,” said Anderson. “A lot of famous songs came from it.”

The entire company brought great talent to the stage with their songs and timing in the deliverance of lines.

It plays again this weekend at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center on the main stage. Ticket information is available by contacting the box office at (805) 378-1437.

The Moorpark College production of “Damn Yankees” hits one out of the park with audiences as they bring George Abbot and Douglas Wallop´s original book to the stage. Dennon and Sayhber Rawles direct the choreography and music is by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. (Iris Smoot)