Show guide
Damn Yankees
Damn Yankees is the classic baseball comedy that asks how far a devoted fan might go for a pennant, wrapping a Faustian bargain in Golden Age Broadway charm.
- Premiered
- 1955
- Composer
- Adler & Ross
- Genre
- Golden Age
- Setting
- 1950s
The story of Damn Yankees
Set during a 1950s baseball season, the story follows a middle aged, devoted fan of a struggling team who makes a deal with a devilish figure to become a young star player capable of leading his club to victory over its powerhouse rivals. The bargain comes with a catch, and much of the show's comic and dramatic tension comes from the hero trying to outwit the terms of that deal.
It is a lighthearted, high spirited take on the classic sell your soul story, filtered through the very American obsession with baseball, underdog teams, and the dream of a championship season.
The music and the makers
The score was written by the songwriting team of Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, whose partnership produced some of the most memorable Golden Age Broadway scores before it was cut short. Their songs for this show blend brassy comic numbers with warmer ballads, capturing both the show's playful devil's bargain premise and its underlying sweetness.
The writing reflects the period's confident, tuneful approach to musical comedy, with songs designed to be immediately catchy while still serving the story's blend of romance, temptation, and team spirit.
Damn Yankees on Broadway
Damn Yankees became a beloved example of 1950s musical comedy, prized for its clever premise, its wit, and its ability to make baseball fandom feel universally relatable even to non fans. Its blend of devilish comedy and old fashioned romance made it a hit with audiences looking for smart, feel good entertainment.
The show has endured as a favorite for its irresistible mix of sports, comedy, and a memorable villainess character, and it continues to be revived for audiences who enjoy Golden Age musicals with a playful supernatural twist.
Frequently asked
When did Damn Yankees open on Broadway?
It opened in 1955.
Who wrote the score for Damn Yankees?
The songwriting team of Richard Adler and Jerry Ross wrote the music and lyrics.
What is Damn Yankees about?
It follows a baseball fan who makes a deal with a devilish figure to become a star player and help his team win the pennant, set during a 1950s season.
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