Ellen summer musical strolls around the diamond, more Western classics
Following the initial phase of its renovation project (and a historically inspired facelift), the Broadway grand slam hit Damn Yankees continues its run at The Ellen Theatre. The local production will run for two more weekends, closing August 11th. In the lead role of Joe Hardy, The Ellen welcomes guest artist Connor Berkompas from Los Angeles. The cast also features New York artist Daniel Moore singing the all-star classic “You Gotta Have Heart.” A powerhouse roster of singers and dancers knocks this musical comedy favorite clear out of the park, all backed by a sparkling 20-piece live orchestra.
If you don’t have a program, Damn Yankees is the story of Joe Boyd, a devoted fan of the hapless Washington Senators, who sells his soul to the devil, Mr. Applegate (Mark Kuntz), for a chance to beat the dreaded Yankees. Applegate transforms Boyd into 22-year-old baseball phenom Joe Hardy to lead the Senators to the World Series. A couple of curve balls include temptress Lola (Val Andrews, singing “Whatever Lola Wants”), as well as nosy reporter Gloria Thorpe, played by Annabella Joy, singing “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, MO.” Last summer, Ms. Joy wowed Ellen audiences as Ado Annie in Oklahoma!
The Ellen team takes the field for six more performances. Friday and Saturday contests begin at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees see first pitch at 3pm, August 11th being the final performance. According to the commissioner’s office, as The Ellen Theatre is indoors, there will be no rainouts.
Reserved seats for this double-header of major league music and longball laughs range from $18 for upper balcony and youth (17 and under) to $25 for main floor and mezzanine viewing. A limited number of premium seats are also available for $32.
Also at The Ellen this summer, ‘Wild West Wednesdays’ make a blazing return with an action-packed series of frontier flicks. Every Wednesday, enjoy gritty and suspenseful tales of the ol’ West with some of your favorite heroes on the big screen, including Clint Eastwood, Henry Fonda, and Glenn Ford.
The summer lineup continues August 7th with the 1957 classic 3:10 to Yuma, starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin. The 2007 Brad Pitt film The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford follows on August 14th. August 21st will feature The Tin Star, starring Henry Fonda and Anthony Perkins. And on August 28th, Wild West Wednesdays come to a close with Clint Eastwood in 1985’s Pale Rider, the highest grossing box office western of the 1980s.
Reserved seats to all of these great movies are only $6. Lobby opens at 6pm for refreshments ahead of a 7pm start time for all films. And series sponsor the Western Café is offering a bonus – next time you’re in for a meal, show ‘em your ticket stub and get a free beverage with your meal!
Looking ahead, singer/songwriter Tom Rush will perform at The Ellen on Saturday, August 31st. Rush has enjoyed a long-running career bringing folk revival to the scene spanning over seven decades. Known for his warm, rich voice, he has been credited alongside Bob Dylan as inaugurating the first generation of singer/songwriters of their time.
“Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences.” – James Taylor
Tom’s shows are known for their amazing storytelling, great laughs, and passionate gritty blues. The music begins at 8pm. Reserved seats are $27.50.
Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be sold in the lobby one hour before all events. Ticketing and further information about these and other upcoming happenings is available at www.theellentheatre.org. For additional inquiries, call (406) 585-5885 or stop into The Ellen box office. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 1–3pm, as well as two hours prior to any event. •
