The show ran for 1,019 performances in its original Broadway production. Adler and Ross's success with it and The Pajama Game seemed to point to a bright future for them, but Ross suddenly died of chronic bronchiectasis at age 29, several months after Damn Yankees opened.
Plot
Note: The synopsis for the 1994 Broadway revival differed from the original 1955 production. The plot of the 1958 film adaptation is closer to the original stage version.
Middle-aged real estate agent Joe Boyd is a long-suffering fan of the pathetic Washington Senatorsbaseball team. His wife Meg laments this ("Six Months Out Of Every Year"). After she has gone to bed, he sits up late, grumbling that if the Senators just had a "long ball hitter" they could beat "those damn Yankees". Suddenly, the smooth-talking, subtly demonic Mr. Applegate appears. He offers Joe the chance to become "Joe Hardy", the young slugger the Senators need. He accepts, even though he must leave Meg ("Goodbye Old Girl"). However, his business sense makes him insist on an escape clause. The Senators' last game is on September 25, and if he plays in it, he is to stay as Joe Hardy forever. If not, he has until 9:00 the night before to walk away from the deal and return to his normal life.
At the ballpark, the hapless Senators vow to play their best despite their failings ("Heart"). Then Joe Hardy is suddenly discovered and joins the team. Gloria Thorpe, a sports reporter, praises him ("Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo"). His hitting prowess enables the team to move up in the standings.
Though Joe is increasingly successful, he truly misses Meg and moves into her house as a boarder in his Joe Hardy persona. They begin to bond, especially over her "lost" husband ("A Man Doesn't Know"). Fearful of losing his deal, Applegate calls Lola, "the best homewrecker on [his] staff", to seduce Joe and ensure he loses the bet. She promises to deliver ("A Little Brains, A Little Talent"), and Applegate introduces her as a sultry South American dancer named "Señorita Lolita Banana". She sings a seductive song ("Whatever Lola Wants"), but Joe's devotion to Meg proves too strong, even for her. Applegate punishes her by firing her, where she performs with other past workers for Applegate ("Who's Got the Pain").
Applegate decides to switch tactics to ensure Joe's failure. He releases false information about Joe's true identity being "Shifty McCoy", an escaped criminal and con artist. When Gloria discovers this information, she presses charges, and he is forced into court.
The Senators prepare for the final game against the Yankees for the pennant and worry about Joe, but they vow to think of nothing but winning ("The Game"). Meanwhile, angry fans are seeking him out, so he decides to leave home. As he does so, he hints to Meg that her old husband is nearby ("Near to You"). Meanwhile, Applegate is exhausted by the work he has put into winning one bet and recalls the "simpler" times in his long history ("Those Were the Good Old Days").
Joe's trial is held on September 24, the last day he can back out of his deal. As he technically does not exist, he cannot produce any kind of identification. The owner of the Senators, their coach, and even Lola (disguised as "Señora McCoy") testify, but their opinions carry no weight. Gloria suggests that Applegate take the stand, but he is unable to take the oath since it requires him to tell the truth. Joe realizes that Applegate is simply stalling to keep him from meeting his 9:00 deadline. Applegate claims that Joe "just needs time to think" and sends him to where Lola is, where history's most famous lovers wait. Lola meets him there and realizes that he truly loves Meg. She helps him by sending him into the final game and delays Applegate by coercing him into a duet ("Two Lost Souls").
When Applegate finally arrives at the game, it is 8:55, and Joe is at bat. As time runs out, Meg, her friends, and even Lola begin cheering for him. Applegate uses his powers to give Joe two strikes. The clock strikes nine, and Applegate claims victory, but at the last second, Joe cries, "Let me go!" The deal is broken, and he reverts to his old self but is still able to hit a home run, winning the pennant for the Senators.
Back at home, Joe rushes into Meg's arms. Applegate appears on the scene, claiming that Joe owes him his prize. Joe begs Meg to hold him and not let go, and she begins to sing ("Finale (A Man Doesn't Know)"). Applegate promises to make him young again and even ensure a World Series victory. But his powers are useless against their true love, as Lola points out. Applegate and Lola return to where they came from, defeated, with Joe and Meg reunited.
2025 Revisions
The 2025 Arena Stage production introduces a revised book from Will Power and Doug Wright. The update changes the setting and team from the Senators to the 2000 Baltimore Orioles, and there are several references to the culture of Baltimore. Additionally, Joe's motivations are expanded by his father having been a player in the Negro leagues. The plot point of Joe being framed as a con artist is changed to him being implicated by Applegate in a doping scandal, and the trial is replaced by a meeting with the commissioner of baseball, where it is revealed that Joe has passed a test for performance-enhancing drugs. Joe is tricked by Applegate into missing the deadline, but he prevails nonetheless through the power of his love for his wife.
Characters
Joe Boyd — A middle-aged, overweight married man who is in love with baseball, especially the Senators [the "older" Joe Hardy]
Joe Hardy — The 22-year-old, home-run-hitting transformation of Joe Boyd
Meg Boyd — Joe's loyal, traditional wife
Lola — The Devil's seductress assistant
Mr. Applegate — The Devil in disguise as a slick salesman
Van Buren — The hard working manager of the Senators with great heart but no luck
Gloria Thorpe — A probing reporter
Rocky — A baseball player for the Senators
Smokey — A "dim bulb" catcher for the Senators
Cherry — A friend of Meg
Doris — A friend of Meg
Sister — A friend of Meg
Mr. Welch — The owner of the Senators
Others: Bouley (also called Ibsen in some productions), Vernon, Henry, Linville, Sohovik, Lowe, Mickey, Del, Miss Weston, Postmaster and The Commissioner
Baseball players and batboys; Baseball fans' wives
(The original Broadway version also had a children's chorus who sang the reprise of "Heart")
Productions
Original Broadway production
The producers Frederick Brisson, Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince[2] had decided that the lead actress for the part of "Lola" had to be a dancer. They offered the role to both the movie actress Mitzi Gaynor and ballet dancer Zizi Jeanmaire, each of whom turned down the role. Although Gwen Verdon had sung just one song in her previous show (Can-Can), the producers were willing to take a chance on her. She initially refused, preferring to assist another choreographer, but finally agreed. Choreographer Bob Fosse insisted on meeting her before working with her, and after meeting and working for a brief time, they each agreed to the arrangement.[3] This was the start of an artistic and personal partnership between Fosse and Verdon, who married in 1960.
The show opened on Broadway at the 46th Street Theatre on May 5, 1955, transferred to the Adelphi Theatre on May 17, 1957, and ran for a total of 1,019 performances. It was directed by George Abbott, with scenery and costumes by William and Jean Eckart, dances and musical numbers staged by Fosse, musical direction by Hal Hastings, orchestrations by Don Walker, and dance music arrangements by Roger Adams.
The show starred Ray Walston (Applegate), Verdon (Lola), Shannon Bolin (Meg), Robert Shafer (Joe Boyd), Elizabeth Howell (Doris), Stephen Douglass (Joe Hardy), Al Lanti (Henry), Eddie Phillips (Sohovik), Nathaniel Frey (Smokey), Albert Linville (Vernon, Postmaster), Russ Brown (Van Buren), Jimmy Komack (Rocky), Rae Allen (Gloria), Cherry Davis (Teenager), Del Horstmann (Lynch, Commissioner), Richard Bishop (Welch), Janie Janvier (Miss Weston), and Jean Stapleton (Sister).
Original West End production
A West End production played at the London Coliseum beginning on March 28, 1957, where it played for 258 performances.[4] It starred Olympic skater Belita (aka Gladys Lyne Jepson-Turner) as Lola, but the Fosse choreography was alien to her style, and she was replaced by Elizabeth Seal.[5] It also starred Bill Kerr as Applegate, and Ivor Emmanuel as Joe Hardy.
In the mid-1970s, Vincent Price starred as Applegate in summer stock productions of the show. In the late 1970s and early 1980s film actor Van Johnson did so in productions throughout the U.S.A. In July, 1981, a production was performed at the Jones Beach Marine Theater in Wantagh, New York. It was notable due to former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath being cast in the role of Joe Boyd.[6]
Broadway revival
A Broadway revival opened at the Marquis Theatre on March 3, 1994 and ran for 519 performances and 33 previews. Featured were Jarrod Emick as Joe Hardy, winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Bebe Neuwirth as Lola and Victor Garber as Applegate. Garber was succeeded by Jerry Lewis, making his Broadway debut, on March 12, 1995,[7] who then starred in a national tour and also played the role in a London production. Jack O'Brien directed, with choreography by Rob Marshall, assisted by his sister, Kathleen. O'Brien is also credited with revisions to the book.[8][7]
West End revival
The 1994 revival production opened in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre on June 4, 1997 (previews started May 29) and closed on August 9, 1997. Jerry Lewis reprised his role as Applegate and April Nixon played Lola.[9]
In 2007, Reprise! Broadway's Best produced a revival. Jason Alexander directed, resetting the show to 1981 Los Angeles and making changes to accommodate a largely African-American and Hispanic cast.[10] It opened November 7, 2007 and ran through November 25.[11]
Encores!
A revival was produced by the City CenterEncores! Summer Stars series from July 5 to July 27, 2008. It starred Jane Krakowski as Lola, Sean Hayes as Applegate, Randy Graff as Meg, Megan Lawrence as Gloria Thorpe (replacing an injured Ana Gasteyer during rehearsal), P. J. Benjamin as Joe Boyd, and Cheyenne Jackson as Joe Hardy. John Rando directed and the original Fosse choreography was reproduced by Mary MacLeod. Given the substantial changes in the 1994 revival, this is considered by some the first authentic revival of the original production.[12]
From 9 September to 9 November 2025, Arena Stage presented a revised production of the show with a new book by Will Power and Doug Wright, and new additional lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Sergio Trujillo directed and choreographed the production in the round in Arena's Fischandler Theater. The cast was led by Rob McClure as Applegate and Jordan Donica as Joe Hardy, with Ana Villafañe as Lola, Quentin Earl Darrington as Joe Boyd, Bryonha Marie as Meg Boyd, Alysha Umphress as Gloria Thorpe, Nehal Joshi as Van Buren, Keenan McCarter as Welch, Rayanne Gonzales as Sister, and Sarah Anne Sillers as Doris.[14]
Joe Boyd — A middle-aged, overweight married man who is in love with baseball, especially the Senators [the "older" Joe Hardy]
Joe Hardy — The 22-year-old, home-run-hitting transformation of Joe Boyd
Meg Boyd — Joe's loyal, traditional wife
Lola — The Devil's seductress assistant
Mr. Applegate — The Devil in disguise as a slick salesman
Van Buren — The hard working manager of the Senators with great heart but no luck
Gloria Thorpe — A probing reporter
Rocky — A baseball player for the Senators
Smokey — A "dim bulb" catcher for the Senators
Cherry — A friend of Meg
Doris — A friend of Meg
Sister — A friend of Meg
Mr. Welch — The owner of the Senators
Others: Bouley (also called Ibsen in some productions), Vernon, Henry, Linville, Sohovik, Lowe, Mickey, Del, Miss Weston, Postmaster and The Commissioner
Baseball players and batboys; Baseball fans' wives
(The original Broadway version also had a children's chorus who sang the reprise of "Heart")
The original Broadway cast recording on RCA Victor was recorded May 8, 1955.[22] The LP was originally issued in mono, released as an electronic stereo version in 1965, and subsequently had a CD release in 1988. RCA Victor also released a mono version of the film soundtrack in 1958, with the 1989 CD marking the first release of the stereo soundtrack recording. The Broadway revival cast recording by Mercury (now the Decca Broadway label) was first released May 17, 1994.
Ray Walston expressed interest recreating Applegate in Raisin' Cane, a 1980 musical by Ted Kopulos, where Applegate's ploy ages a young girl, lands her the lead in a Broadway show, scheming to change her back and bankrupt all the investors.[citation needed]
A contemporary film adaptation of the musical was announced in 2009, with Jim Carrey as Applegate and Jake Gyllenhaal as Joe Hardy,[26] though the project failed to develop.
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