Camarillo, Calif., March 25, 2014 – A captivating tale of devotion, deception, dancing, the devil, and Major League Baseball will come to life on the stage at CSU Channel Islands (CI) as the Performing Arts program presents “Damn Yankees,” April 3 through 12.

The classic Tony and Oscar Award-winning musical comedy has been delighting audiences on stage and screen for nearly six decades.  It will be revived by CI students and faculty for nine thrilling matinee and evening performances in the theatre at Malibu Hall 140.

Show dates and times are as follows:

Evening Performances – all at 8 p.m. in Malibu 140

Thursday, April 3

Friday, April 4

Saturday, April 5

Wednesday, April 9

Thursday, April 10

Friday, April 11

Saturday, April 12

Matinees – all at 2 p.m. in Malibu 140

Sunday, April 6

Saturday, April 12

Admission is free for CI students; $5 for other students; $10 for CI faculty and staff; and $15 for the public.  Tickets can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets on its website at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006

“Damn Yankees,” is a modern retelling of a classic German folktale about a man who makes a deal with the devil in order to achieve astounding success.  Set in Washington, D.C., in the 1950s, the musical comedy presents the story of a middle-aged real estate agent who sells his soul to the devil so he can become a young, hotshot slugger and lead his beloved Washington Senators baseball team to victory against the New York Yankees.  The play guides the audience on a series of twists and turns as the man and the devil wage a battle for the pennant and his soul. 

“Damn Yankees” is the spring 2014 musical production of CI’s Performing Arts program, directed by Professor Bob Mayberry with choreographer Heather Castillo and musical director Craig Bickel, also of CI’s Performing Arts faculty.  The production is the culmination of a for-credit course (PA/ART 391 – Production) involving students in all aspects of the show, from acting, song, dance and orchestra to set design, sound, lighting, costumes, props, publicity, and event logistics.  The three-credit course is required for all Performing Arts majors but open to all students.  In addition to real-world theatrical production experience, “Damn Yankees” offers the cast and crew a challenging, cross-disciplinary exploration of the ethical implications, origins, iconography, and various theatrical and literary iterations of the classic Faustian folktale.  As part of the course, student participants write papers summarizing their learning experience.

Originally adapted for the stage by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, based on a book by George Abbott and Douglas Wallop, “Damn Yankees” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI, 421 W. 54th St., New York, NY 10019, www.MTIshows.com.

Limited event parking is available in Lot A7 with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus.  Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For more information, contact Bob Mayberry at bob.mayberry@csuci.edu.

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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands
(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.

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