VSU hits home run with ‘Damn Yankees’

PLAY REVIEW

By Dean Poling

The Valdosta Daily Times

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance earned a well-deserved, opening-night standing ovation for “Damn Yankees.”

The musical production scores a home run.

Jacque Wheeler, show director, has a massive and talented cast in her dugout, and she fields them all. She loads the bases with a line-up of great performances in the principal roles.

Jake Alley as Joe Boyd has a great voice in the opening and closing numbers, making a strong impression so that audiences remember him as Joe Boyd is transformed into baseball star Joe Hardy.

Following memorable roles in last season’s “Footloose” and in Peach State Summer Theatre productions this summer, Shelby Nichols adds another to his repertoire as Joe Hardy. Nichols brings his good-hearted charm, comic timing, strong voice, dancing talents to playing the man who gets his wish to become a baseball star then misses the wife and life he left behind.

Christen Orr has a voice that could fill a cathedral as Meg Boyd. Orr could sing anywhere with power, grace, and style.

Joel Moseley threatens to steal the show as Mr. Applegate. And who better to steal a show than a character who is a comic portrayal of the devil. Moseley uses everything in his arsenal — sleight of hand, wit, facial expressions, song, dance, etc. — to make Applegate a devilish delight.

Yet, Carla Olivar’s Lola tops even Applegate. This musical is designed as showcase for the actress playing Lola, showstopping songs, great dance numbers, funny lines, great costumes. Carla Olivar does not disappoint. Ever since she hit the stage in VSU’s “Showboat,” discerning audiences could see Olivar had the potential for a great role. Lola is that role. Carla Olivar is fun and fantastic.