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 even after his character 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 a 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.

The cast, orchestra and crew make “Damn Yankees” a fantastic treat. Wheeler can add this show to her list of great musical interpretations. She is joined in this show’s many songs, big dance numbers, music, costumes, sets, and more by a talented group of individuals: Eric Brandt Nielsen, choreographer; Michael Elliott, vocal director; Joe Brashier, musical director; Deborah Morgan, production dramaturg; R. Keith Pugh, set designer; Thomas J. Poje, lighting designer; Esther Iverson, costume designer; and Marty C. Lynch, technical director.

If you miss this show consider yourself struck out.

This review is based on Thursday’s opening night performance.