Critics Rave: Damn Yankees at Arena Stage Delivers a Home Run

Arena Stage's bold, reimagined production of Damn Yankees has opened to wide acclaim — and with performances running through November 9, it's a must-see for D.C. theatergoers this fall.

Damn Yankees at Arena Stage in DC

From the moment The Washington Post called it "a revitalized 'Damn Yankees' that knocks it out of the park," review after review has agreed: this is not your father's Damn Yankees. Under the direction and choreography of Sergio Trujillo, this production forgoes strict nostalgia in favor of a more immediate, emotionally grounded vision. While the structure of the original 1955 musical remains, the creative team has shifted the timeline into the year 2000, recast the baseball team as the Baltimore Orioles, and assembled a cast that reflects a more contemporary, diverse America.

New script revisions by Doug Wright and Will Power, with additional lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, deepen character relationships and sharpen comedic edges without sacrificing the beloved core of the original. As The Washington Post puts it, the refrain "you've gotta have heart" feels truly earned here — and the production "wears its heart on its sleeve."

The cast receives strong praise across the board. Metro Weekly describes Jordan Donica as bringing "freshness personified" to the role of Joe Hardy. Rob McClure draws particular notice in DC Theater Arts as a devilishly playful Applegate who commands attention. Bryonha Marie's Meg Boyd is often singled out in reviews for anchoring the emotional center with sincerity — even when the storyline might stray toward sentiment. Ana Villafañe's Lola draws compliments for her magnetic presence, dynamic dance style, and chemistry with McClure, as noted in The Washington Post.

Design elements are also a highlight: Robert Brill's set, Philip S. Rosenberg's lighting, Peter Nigrini's projections, and Paul Kieve's illusion work combine to evoke a stadium-in-the-round environment — from locker rooms to a surreal "hell's antechamber" — with elegant clarity. Trujillo's choreography, drawing inspiration from Fosse yet confidently modern, delivers clean, fluid, witty, and athletic movement. Highlights like "Whatever Lola Wants" and "Who's Got the Pain?" pulse with sensuality, powerful ensemble energy, and rhythmic flair, as many critics observe.

Thanks to the in-the-round staging and fluid scene transitions, the show pivots gracefully between fantasy and realism. Surprise blackouts, fog, and projection effects make the shifts feel magical rather than jarring.

One of the production's most admirable achievements is its ability to honor the original while making it smashingly relevant for contemporary audiences. As Metro Weekly notes, one update includes a same-sex married couple, a small but meaningful gesture toward inclusion. These revisions and deeper character backstories don't feel forced; rather, they enrich the emotional landscape and expand the story's resonance.

While embracing spectacle and theatricality, Damn Yankees here remains emotionally grounded. The relationship between Joe and Meg is the show's emotional anchor, and reviewers unanimously say you believe in their bond. At the same time, the production knows when to let loose — ensemble numbers draw cheers, mid-show applause, and genuine delight from audiences, according to DC Theater Arts and others.

If you're looking for a musical that bridges nostalgia and relevance, Damn Yankees at Arena Stage is a home run. It runs through November 9 in the Fichandler Stage at Arena Stage.

To see a list of theatre reviews from all shows in the DC area, visit our Theatre Reviews In DC page and also the Top Rated Plays In DC page.