Guerin Prep presents musical 'Damn Yankees' March 22-23
Guerin College Preparatory High School, 8001 W. Belmont Avenue, River Grove, is presenting their spring musical, “Damn Yankees,” with performances on Friday, March 22 at 7 pm and Saturday, March 23 at 2 pm and 7 pm.
The musical comedy takes the audience through a modern version of the story of Faust, the legendary sorcerer who sold his soul to Mephistopheles in exchange for magical powers. Set in the 1950s, this tale focuses on Joe, played by senior Shane Quinlan, a devoted baseball fan in his forties, and a mysterious figure who calls himself “Applegate,” played by junior Biagio Greco. Applegate has an irresistible offer for Joe: he can be twenty-two again, join his favorite team, the Washington Senators, and become a hero by helping the Senators beat a team that then seemed invincible- the New York Yankees. Joe agrees to leave his home and his wife Meg, played by senior Kelsey Fortier. His alter ego, Joe Hardy, played by senior Erik Mizhquiri, becomes a home-run hitting sensation. The mysterious and captivating Lola, played by senior Jessie Roman, keeps Joe enthralled with his new fame. Joe then becomes torn between the race to the World Series and his real life, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
The Washington Senators Baseball Team roster includes Dan Laske as Sohovik, Nicholas Liuzzo as Rocky, Xavier Vazquez as Smokey, Essa Barbari as Henry, Anthony Lopez as Linville, Ronald Johnson as Vernon, Freddy Villegas as Mark and Angel Centeno as Dell. Their manager, Van Buren, is played by senior Brandon Blicharz. The team owner, Mr. Welch, is played by Freddy Berrens and Miss Weston is played by Gina Lindemann, both seniors.
The probing reporter, Gloria Thorpe, is played by sophomore Celina Santana. Meg's friends, Sister and Doris, are played by senior Shannon Menzella and junior Madeline Blackburn, respectively.
Additional ensemble members include Stephani Bartoli, Freddy Berrens, Jamirah Childs, Alex Karaskiewicz, Gina Lindemann, Marissa Napolitano, Lizzie Osborn, Gabe Roman, Juan Sanchez and Kyle Schwaba.
The crew for “Damn Yankees” is headed by senior Asalah Boulos as stage manager. Other members of the crew include Simone Bridgeforth, China Carrasquillo, Dan Gepolio, Danielle DiBari, Frankie Flores, Justin Hermoso, Alex Lorenz, Sarah Novosel, Oksana Petty and Jake Strok.
Kristen Mackie serves as both Director and Technical Director. Guerin Prep choir and piano teacher, Jordan Chua, is the vocal and orchestral director. Choreography is directed by Michael Weaver. Costumes are managed by Sarafina Norman and scenic art is directed by art teacher Tom Susin, '65.
Based on the novel, “The Year The Yankees Lost The Pennant” by Douglass Wallop, the musical was written by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop. Music and lyrics are by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. “Damn Yankees” is a classic American musical that also enjoyed success as a 1958 film featuring many of the same stars from the stage, including legends such as Gwen Verdon, Ray Walston and Jean Stapleton.
An Opening Night Tailgate Party fundraiser will be held prior to Friday's performance at 6:00 pm in the Guerin Auditorium Foyer. Tickets are $20 and include refreshments and admission to the show. The Guerin Theatre Department has been chosen to perform at the American High School Theatre Festival in conjunction with the Edinburgh Fringe festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in August of 2013. Support of this production will help enable Guerin students to finance this trip.
Tickets to all performances are $8. Guerin Prep is located at 8001 W. Belmont Avenue in River Grove. For tickets, call 708-453-6233, ext. 4762.