**Broadway’s Classic ‘Damn Yankees’ Set for New Revival Starring Neil Patrick Harris and Julianne Hough**
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Broadway is gearing up for a nostalgic return to the ballpark with a fresh revival of the classic musical *Damn Yankees*. This new production, which marks the first Broadway rendition in over thirty years, will feature Emmy Award winners Neil Patrick Harris and Julianne Hough in leading roles, alongside stage veteran Austin Scott. The announcement was made in a fitting tribute to the show’s baseball theme, broadcast live from Yankee Stadium on 27 September.
Originally debuting on Broadway in 1955, *Damn Yankees* is a Tony-winning musical that reimagines the Faust legend through the lens of American baseball culture. The story follows a devoted baseball fan who strikes a deal with the Devil to help his team rise to glory. The central character, transformed into a young baseball sensation, faces temptation from the Devil’s alluring assistant as he begins to reconsider his pact.
In this revival, Harris, aged 53, will take on the role of the devilish Applegate, while the 38-year-old Hough will portray his captivating temptress, Lola. Austin Scott is set to play Young Joe, a promising baseball talent caught in the middle of Applegate’s cunning scheme. The production promises to bring energy and excitement back to the classic tale while also introducing modern twists.
Scheduled for previews at the Marquis Theatre from 24 March 2027, the show is set to officially open on 20 April. Under the direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, the anticipated revival aims to capture both the essence of the original work and draw in a new audience.
Although the storyline remains rooted in the same Faustian themes as the original, this adaptation boasts significant updates. The setting has been shifted to the early 2000s, replacing the Washington Senators with the Baltimore Orioles. The protagonist, Joe Boyd, dreams of reviving his team’s fortunes with Applegate and Lola’s tempting offer, providing a contemporary twist to the beloved narrative.
Musical fans will be delighted to know that the revival will still feature the cherished score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, with beloved songs such as “Heart,” “Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets),” and “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo.” Additional lyrics, contributed by Tony Award winner Lynn Ahrens, will further enrich the musical experience.
Sergio Trujillo expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising that this revival is more of a reinvention than a simple remake. He stated, “This ‘revisal’ preserves the heart, wit, and soaring score that audiences love and is a real opportunity to bring joy back into the theatre.”
In an exciting development, Major League Baseball and MLB Studios have partnered with the production, marking a notable first for the major sports league in relation to a Broadway musical. Lead producer Haley Swindal highlighted the synergy between baseball and Broadway, noting their shared ability to provide thrilling live entertainment to millions.
Swindal has personal ties to both realms. She is the granddaughter of the late George Steinbrenner, former owner of the New York Yankees, who was also involved in Broadway production. Swindal will collaborate with producers Lia Vollack and Julie Boardman to bring this ambitious project to life.
*Damn Yankees* has a rich history, initially performed with notable actors such as Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon. It enjoyed a successful run, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The story later transitioned to the big screen in 1958, capturing audience hearts anew.
The musical’s most recent revival took place in 1994, coincidentally at the same venue where this new version will be staged. That production, featuring stars like Victor Garber, Bebe Neuwirth, and Jarrod Emick, garnered multiple Tony nominations and ran for over 500 performances.
Despite numerous concert and regional productions since its last Broadway outing, *Damn Yankees* has been absent from the Great White Way for too long. The upcoming revival promises to restore its former glory and introduce the story to a fresh audience of theatre-goers.
For both Harris and Hough, this marks a significant milestone in their careers. Harris, renowned for his television roles and acclaimed stage performances, earned a Tony Award in 2014. He boasts a varied stage portfolio, including *Hedwig and the Angry Inch*, while Hough will be making her mark in a leading Broadway musical, having previously appeared in a political comedy.
Austin Scott returns to the Broadway scene following his debut in *Hamilton*, showcasing his talents in various productions. His experience brings a wealth of creativity to the new staging of *Damn Yankees*, following a successful performance in a recent staging in Washington, D.C.
With tickets for *Damn Yankees* now on sale, anticipation is building for this electrifying revival, which promises to combine classic musical theatre with beloved sports lore. Audiences can look forward to a unique and memorable theatrical experience, blending American nostalgia and contemporary storytelling.