'Yankees' come to bat at Performance Riverside

Ralph Andrews, Correspondent
"Damn Yankees" at Landis Performing Arts Center in Riverside.



Take me out to the ballgame," so the old song goes. Though centered around baseball, "Damn Yankees" is really a tale of true love that a middle-aged couple has for each other. It is now being performed at Performance Riverside on the Riverside Community College campus.


THEATER REVIEW: DAMN YANKEES
Where: Landis Performing Arts Center, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside
When: Continues 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; ends Sunday
Cost: $24-$42
Information: (951) 222-8100; www.performanceriverside.org


"Damn Yankees" refers to the New York Yankees baseball team. The Washington Senators' players and fans are frustrated at always loosing. Enter shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo., who with the help of the Devil saves the day and puts the Senators in the winning circle.

Somebody wrote a book called "The Snake Has the Best Lines." It is especially true in this case. Mr. Applegate played by Gary Reinschmidt is the perfect Devil.

His sidekick Lola, played by Juliet Fischer, is a feast for the eyes as she cavorts onstage in a costume that is barely legal.

Meg, played by Claire Reinschmidt, radiates a middle-age charm.

The excellent cast of 25 or so is too numerous to mention individually. However, they were all very good at what they did.

Among the better numbers was "Old Joe," played by Michael Kelly, singing a poignant farewell to his wife, Meg. Also, the whole team being led by Van Buren, played by John LaLonde, in "Heart."

Working expertly under the baton of Music Director Scott T. Smith, the 18 or so musicians were also top-quality.

One minor comment. Instruments like English horn and low register flute should play out. They need all the help they can get in being heard.

When old Joe was transformed by the Devil into young Joe, the effect was show stopping. There were two cut-out paintings on stage right and stage left that were very well done. The excellent choreography was John Vaughan's work. The rented costumes and set looked brand new.

This is Greg Hinrichsen's first time directing at Performance Riverside and he did an excellent job in choosing his cast and directing a fast-paced show.

- Ralph Andrews, who has a Ph.D in music, is a freelance musician, teacher and a judge for the Inland Theatre League.