Damn Yankees

Definition

Damn Yankees is a classic American musical that premiered on Broadway in 1955, blending comedy, fantasy, and baseball themes. The story follows a middle-aged man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for youth and the chance to help his beloved baseball team win the pennant. This musical is significant in the context of its performance style during the Golden Age, showcasing a mix of traditional musical theater with elements of Americana.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Damn Yankees was based on Douglass Wallop's novel 'The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant', which tells the tale of the Washington Senators baseball team.
2. The show features iconic songs like 'Whatever Lola Wants' and 'You Gotta Have Heart', which have become staples in musical theater repertoires.
3. The original Broadway production was highly acclaimed and won several Tony Awards, cementing its status as a classic American musical.
4. The character of Mr. Applegate, the devil figure in the story, represents temptation and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals pursuing their dreams.
5. Damn Yankees combines elements of fantasy with the everyday world, reflecting the broader cultural context of 1950s America, where sports and entertainment were crucial to national identity.

Review Questions

• How does Damn Yankees reflect the performance styles typical of musicals during the Golden Age?
  • Damn Yankees exemplifies Golden Age performance styles through its integration of humor, narrative-driven songs, and elaborate choreography. The book musical format allows for a seamless blend of dialogue and music that drives the story forward, while its thematic focus on baseball taps into Americana. The combination of a strong narrative with catchy tunes and dynamic performances is characteristic of musicals from this era.
• Discuss how the themes of ambition and temptation are portrayed in Damn Yankees through its characters and storyline.
  • In Damn Yankees, ambition and temptation are central themes embodied by the character of Joe Boyd, who seeks youth and success for his baseball team by making a pact with Mr. Applegate. This deal highlights the moral complexities of pursuing one's dreams at any cost. The storyline emphasizes how these themes resonate within American culture, portraying both the excitement and pitfalls of striving for greatness.
• Evaluate the impact of Damn Yankees on American musical theater and its lasting legacy within the genre.
  • Damn Yankees significantly impacted American musical theater by combining traditional storytelling with popular culture elements like baseball. Its innovative use of fantasy elements to explore real-world issues resonated with audiences, paving the way for future musicals that blend various genres. The show's memorable score and characters have maintained its popularity over the years, influencing new generations of writers and performers who continue to draw inspiration from its themes and style.

Related terms

George Abbott: A prominent American theater director and playwright, known for his significant contributions to musical theater, including directing Damn Yankees.

Book Musical: A type of musical that emphasizes a strong narrative structure, integrating songs and dialogue to enhance the story, which is a hallmark of Damn Yankees.

Baseball as Metaphor: The use of baseball in Damn Yankees serves as a metaphor for American values such as ambition, desire, and the struggle against adversity.