Neil Patrick Harris and Julianne Hough to star in Damn Yankees Broadway …

The iconic musical "Damn Yankees" is set to return to Broadway in 2027, with Neil Patrick Harris and Julianne Hough leading a star-studded cast in the first revival of the classic since 1994. The production, scheduled to open at New York’s Marquis Theatre on April 20, 2027, will transport the story to the early 2000s, incorporating a fresh narrative and a partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) that underscores its cultural relevance.

Revival Timeline and Production Details

The revival, which will begin previews on March 24, 2027—just one day before the start of the 2027 MLB season—is a notable milestone for the 1955 musical. The original production, based on the 1954 novel *The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant* by Douglass Wallop, won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was later adapted into a 1958 film. The 1994 revival, which starred Victor Garber, Bebe Neuwirth, and Dennis Kelly, was the last Broadway staging before this new iteration.

The new production is being directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, known for his work on *On Your Feet!* and *Burn the Floor*. Trujillo has reimagined the story to reflect a 2000s setting, a shift from the original 1950s context. The Washington Senators, a key element of the original plot, have been replaced by the Baltimore Orioles, while the character of Young Joe Hardy, the protagonist, is now an African American athlete with superhuman abilities. This update aims to highlight diversity and modernize the narrative, according to Trujillo.

Cast and Creative Team

Harris, a Tony Award winner, will play Applegate, the devilish tempter who offers Joe Hardy a deal to become a baseball legend. Hough, a former *Dancing with the Stars* judge and winner, will make her Broadway debut as Lola, Applegate’s seductive assistant. Austin Scott, an alum of *Hamilton*, will portray Young Joe Hardy, the young athlete whose journey drives the story.

The production is produced by Lia Vollack, Haley Swindal (granddaughter of George Steinbrenner), and Julie Boardman. A notable partnership with MLB Studios adds a unique dimension to the revival. Noah Garden, MLB’s deputy commissioner for business and media, emphasized the alignment between baseball’s “high drama” and Broadway’s storytelling, calling the collaboration “a celebration of shared spirit.”

Trujillo, in an interview, described the updated setting as a way to “tell this story through an America that is diverse, an America that reflects today.” The revised book, co-written by Will Power and Doug Wright, incorporates these changes while retaining the musical’s core themes of ambition, temptation, and sacrifice.

MLB Collaboration and Cultural Impact

The partnership with MLB extends beyond thematic resonance. The revival’s timing coincides with the 2027 baseball season, with previews beginning on the day of the Yankees’ first game. The production will also feature elements tailored to baseball fans, including interactions between cast members and players. Austin Scott, for instance, visited Yankee Stadium to learn from right fielder Aaron Judge, who helped him understand the nuances of the sport.

Harris praised Hough’s versatility, calling her a “triple threat” and expressing excitement about her Broadway debut. Hough, who has starred in films like *Burlesque* and *Footloose*, described the role as a “new chapter” in her career. The revival’s focus on diversity and modernization has drawn attention from both theater and sports communities, positioning it as a cultural crossover event.

Frequently Asked Questions

The revival’s blend of theater, sports, and cultural commentary sets it apart as a landmark production. As previews approach, anticipation grows for how the updated story and star-studded cast will resonate with audiences. The partnership with MLB also raises questions about the future of such cross-industry collaborations, though no further details have been announced at this time.