By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- A man will make a deal with the devil in the production of "Damn Yankees," coming to the Barn Swallow Theatre on Hospital Street.
The musical comedy, which first opened on Broadway in 1955, has Joe Boyd willing to sell his soul in order to realize his dream.
The morality play has Biblical roots but is set in modern times.
Its message for today's audiences addresses the clash between personal values and ambition and the personal cost of trying to hold on to one's youth.
The play is based on the novel "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant," by Douglas Wallop.
Words and music are by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and the book by George Abbot and Wallop.
In the Barn Swallow production, Boyd is played by Dr. Thomas Rea of Edwardsburg.
Julie Boepple of Edwardsburg plays Meg Boyd. The devil, Mr. Applegate, is portrayed by Daniel Boughton of South Bend, Ind.
Additional principals include Patrick Leinen of Edwardsburg, Cassopolis teacher and former Dowagiac Public Library manager Erin (Stump) Westrate, Marye Makay of Cassopolis and Charlie Wright of Cassopolis.
The cast is rounded out with Lauren Gregory, Jeremy Jones, John Blume, Tim Polonear, John Breslin, Bethany Hartley, Jack Gregory, Amber Hassinger, Fred Bunkleman, Janessa and Jeron Katzer, and Aanika Jaggl, who come from the Michiana area.
Family members working together on this production include jack Gregory and his daughter Lauren; Dave Stump and his daughter Erin Westrate, and his grandchildren Janessa and Jeron Katzer.
Ada M. Barr is the director, assisted by Marge Rea. Musical director is Dave Stump and choreographer is Robin Blume.
Performances will be at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16, and 22-23; also at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17 and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Ticket information and reservations may be obtained by calling (269) 445-9016.