Gallimaufry warming up for ‘Damn Yankees’

Back in the early 1950s, author Douglass Wallop came up with an intriguing story — intriguing, that is, for all of us New York Yankees haters.

It was called “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant.” By 1955, Broadway had seized upon the concept of a portly, middle- aged Wash- ington Sena- tors fan who jumps at the devilish idea that he could morph into a strapping youth who’d lead the Senators to the American League championship.

That show was called “Damn Yankees” and it’s just as intriguing today, because the Yankees are again the defending world champions. The Washington Senators are long gone, but that just makes the show a delicious period piece.

Laguna Beach’s Gallimaufry Performing Arts has penciled in “Damn Yankees” as its summer production, and will hold auditions Saturday for singers and dancers wishing to help turn back the clock.

The audition session will begin at 10 a.m. with an open dance call. From 2 to 5 p.m., singing tryouts, by appointment only, will be conducted. Both will be at the Laguna Beach Parks and Recreation Department, 515 Forest Ave.

Featured roles include Joe Boyd, the middle-aged fan; Joe Hardy, the slugger he becomes; Mr. Applegate, the devil in disguise; Lola, his slinky seductress; Meg Boyd, Joe’s devoted wife; Gloria Thorpe, a sassy reporter; and Van Buren, the Senators’ manager. The show also will have a contingent of baseball players, wives, fans, reporters and children. Dancers are urged to bring clothes they can move in and appropriate dance shoes.

Singers need 32 bars of an up-tempo song and sheet music in their key. An accompanist will be provided.

Rehearsals begin June 21 and the show will run from July 22 to Aug. 1 at a site yet to be announced. For more information, call (949) 499-5060 or go to info@gallimaufry.org.