I figured since we can never seem to get a fair shake or a reasonable review of our shows, that I would offer up my own critique.
Last weekend saw the opening ‘homerun’ performances of C-STOCK’s “Damn Yankees!” a spirited team effort by local kids and adults alike, under the skilled direction of Chris Borer. This was Chris’s 2nd time at the theatre’s helm, having had his directorial debut with “1940’s Radio Hour” in 2005.
As usual, Chris has a really great eye for talent and did a great job of casting people in just the right parts. He is also a great visionary, and sees the BIG picture of a production. But more than anything else, Chris creates a wonderfully fun, creative, and encouraging environment for everyone involved. “1940’s” was my first show with C-STOCK, and so I was thrilled to be re-united with Chris.
If you’re not familiar with the musical comedy “Damn Yankees!” it made its Broadway run back in 1955 with over 1,000 performances. It’s based on a novel by Douglass Wallop entitled, “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant.” Music & Lyrics were provided by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the same team that brought us “The Pajama Game.” It’s an updated version of the classic Faust story, set in Washington, D.C., during a time when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball.
A middle-aged real estate agent, Joe Boyd (gee, that sounds familiar!) is an avid Washington Senators fan and wants nothing more than to see his beloved team win the pennant. Unfortunately, the team is full of mis-mananaged misfits, and sits at the bottom the division. Joe privately confesses that he would sell his soul if the team could only capture the title, and naturally, the Devil shows up on cue to fulfill his wish. The rest of the show follows Joe as he propels his team to victory and enjoys all the spoils of celebrity status. Will he truly sell his soul for fame & fortune, or will he realize that his old life wasn’t so bad after all? You’ll have to come and see the show to find out!
My two younger sons, Luke and Elliot, and I auditioned back in July, and have been rehearsing diligently with the rest of the cast & crew since then. The final month was especially difficult. School started for my boys, and Luke made the starting quarterback position at CK Junior High. So, in addition to their daily homework, and football practice for Luke, both boys went to play practices every night from 6:30pm until 10-10:30pm. By time opening weekend arrived, their feet were dragging!
Both of them are involved in nearly all of the musical and dance numbers. I have several smaller walk-on roles and also play the Baseball Commissioner. Being involved in this production has been a great way for the 3 of us to connect and bond together. There are quite a few other families that are involved in the production as well. C-STOCK has a rich history and tradition of presenting quality family entertainment, and creating valued opportunities for kids and adults to develop their talents.
The show was reviewed this week by Michael Moore from the Kitsap Sun. Mr. Moore rarely has anything pleasant or encouraging to say about C-STOCK productions. And if he does, it’s usually just some obligatory remark to help make the more painful comments go down easier. Too many times, his barbs are aimed at things outside the control of the performers. We have a small, cramped theatre and not the best acoustics. The orchestra usually overpowers the vocals. We do the best we can with what we have. With such tight quarters, set changes are always challenging. It’s hard not to make noise during scenes. We simply do our best. And sorry, Mr. Moore, but we didn’t write the musical, so we can’t control the dialogue or the order of songs.
“Damn Yankees!” truly is great family entertainment, performed by families. It’s hard to find fun, enjoyable venues these days where you can take the entire family, without fear of questionable content.
From the opening number, ”Six Months,” and other notable favorites like ”Shoeless Joe,” “The Game,” and “Heart,” this show offers some really solid and endearing performances.
So grab the wife and kids, or make it a date night with your significant other, and run down to the Silverdale Community Center the next three weekends and root for the Senators!
Who: Central Stage Theatre of County Kitsap (CSTOCK)
What: “Damn Yankees!” a musical comedy by Jerry Ross, Richard Adler, George Abbot and Douglass Wallop
Where: CSTOCK playhouse, Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA
When: Through Oct. 7; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays
Tickets: $12 to $10 and available at the door or in advance at the Information Kiosk at Kitsap Mall.
For more information: (360) 692-9940, www.cstock.org
