VAN BUREN (Lew Stowers) sings “You Gotta Have Heart” in the Gem Theatre’s production of “Damn Yankees” (Ron Lyon photo).

By Thom de Martino/Orange County Tribune

What would you sacrifice to gain your deepest wish?

Middle-aged insurance underwriter and baseball superfan Joe Boyd (William Jordan) knows – his will only cost him his immortal soul.With their first big show of the year, the Gem Theater and One More Productions bring the classic Broadway favorite “Damn Yankees” to their Garden Grove stage.

It’s the tale of a fanatic follower of the floundering baseball team the Washington Senators, Joe Boyd, who, after lamenting how his team desperately needs a long-distance hitter, gets a sudden visit from the mysterious, smooth-talking Mr. Applegate (Trevin Stephenson).

The literal devil-in-disguise makes Joe an offer he can’t refuse: to be transformed into the young, athletic Joe Hardy (Aaron Gibbs) and take the baseball world by storm as the newest star player of the Senators. But being the clever businessman, Joe won’t agree without including an escape clause – he can still change his mind, but no later than midnight of September 24… as the season draws to a close.

Suddenly the team has a new prodigy, much to the surprise of the players, as well as the team manager Van Buren (Lew Stowers). However, the mysterious new player has also caught the attention of sports reporter Gloria Thorpe (Kellie Petrosian) – who nicknames him “Shoeless Joe,” and wants details on where he comes from, where he’s been… questions Joe is keen to avoid.

But even though he may be living his dream as a young man, his devoted wife Meg (Rosie Quintana) remains waiting for him, thinking him gone on an extended business trip – and Joe finds he can’t stop thinking about her either, frequently taking nightly strolls down the street where he’s lived with her. He even rents a room from her (as his alter ego), he’s so desperate to still be part of her life.

This proves to be a thorn in Applegate’s side, and the devilish salesman is driven to unleash his secret weapon: the irresistible seductress of Hell, Lola (Briana Bauer), to turn her charms upon the lovelorn and pining player and distract him from his thoughts of Meg.

But Joe’s running out the clock, and the devil will have his due. Will he have enough time to lead the Senators to the pennant – or will it be game over for his immortal soul?

The Gem Theater and OMP have such a variety in the shows they produce, it’s always fun to see what they do with the classics. They’ve already put their unique spin on shows such as “Cabaret,” “The Producers, “Gypsy” and “Oklahoma!”… and do no less of a stellar job with this one.

Stephenson’s performance as Mr. Applegate is delightfully devilish and charmingly campy – at times, he even interacts with the audience. (“Laugh, or you’re going to hell” he says dryly at one point, with a mischievous yet menacing gleam in his eye.) His solo of “Those Were the Good Old Days” is a phenomenal one.

Outstanding work by the pair of Joes: both older and younger versions. Jordan’s elder Joe is the eager and obsessive baseball fan, but one sees the deep love he holds for Meg; Gibbs’ work as the younger Joe is enchanting (no pun intended), bringing the full force of his musical talents to the role.

There are many talented new faces in this show to welcome into the fold; not the least of which is Ms. Quintana as Meg – making a marvelous debut on the Gem stage with her stirring vocal work. And when the talents of both she and Gibbs are combined (such as with the “A Man Doesn’t Know” reprise), it is truly something special to behold.

It should also be noted there is excellent choreography in this show, as well as the work by the cast as a whole – bringing a flair to even the minor characters with their performances. Of particular note should be Bauer’s alluring, empathetic Lola – not only with her splendid vocal skills, but her deft work with said choreography as well.

It’s another beloved Broadway staple brought to bewitching life on the One More Productions’ stage, a little something for both sporting and musical fans alike. Playing through April 13, “Damn Yankees” is another home run for the Gem Theater — one that you’ll want to witness for yourself.

“Damn Yankees.” Trevin Stephenson, Aaron Gibbs and Briana Bauer star in this modern, baseball-inspired Faustian tale of what a man will give to see his dreams come true. Playing through April 13 at The Gem Theater 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information.