By Catherine Stadem
Anchorage Times Focus News Writer
My, how life has changed in the last 35 years. If
you don't believe it, Anchorage
Community Theater's current production of the 50's musical "Damn Yankees"
is testimony. Although some may find the final show of ACT's season
yawningly dated, it still holds a certain charm, even in this uneven production.
Like all Faustian tales, temptations of the flesh play
a role -- a large role.
Hence, perhaps, the show's most hummable number:
"Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets." But after Pond's deodorizing ,
Ursula Gould is nearly prim as Lola, the devil's temptress. Her prudish
costumes don't help. Despite these constraints, Gould can dominate
the stage like few other Anchorage community theater actors.
At Sunday's matinee, two days after opening, several actors
in supporting roles still seemed uncertain of their lines. Granted,
"Damn Yankees" with multiple scene changes and large production numbers,
is a considerable stretch for a small community theater made up of volunteers.
The nervous actors contrasted dramatically with the self-assured
talent of Michelle Booher, Dan Wolfe and the previously mentioned
Gould.
Booher plays Meg, the wife of Joe, the man who sells
his soul. The University of Alaska Anchorage theater student has
a big, sultry voice and the stage presence of a diva. Incidentally,
Booher also designed (and helped sew) the period costumes for the cast
of 30.
Wolfe is excellent as Applegate, the devil in a deep
blue suit with a more than passing interest in baseball. Wolfe never
disappoints. If he ever gives up his day job as a captain in the
U.S. Army, this versatile singer-hoofer-actor who has brought so much life
to Anchorage stages could surely find a job in theater.
Russ Marsh, in the principle role if Joe Hardy, is confident
when it comes to singing but still unsure of his acting. Mike Wood,
as the man who sells his soul, is touching, particularly in duet with Booher.
A standout among the ballplayers is Don Vaskey as the not-too-bright Rockey,
who brings great energy to all his scenes.
Catherine Stadem is a 1985 Fellow of the National
critics Institute and member of the American Theatre Critics Association.