Neil Patrick Harris to Star in ‘Damn Yankees’ Broadway Revival

Neil Patrick Harris is set to star as the devilish Mr. Applegate in a revival of the musical "Damn Yankees," which is scheduled to premiere on Broadway in Spring 2027. The announcement was made by Harris himself during a press conference held at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Sunday. He was joined by co-stars Julianne Hough and Austin Scott, who will also be featured in the production. The musical, originally produced by George Abbott, premiered on Broadway in 1955 and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its score features music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, with a book by George Abbott. The story follows Joe Boyd, a baseball fan who makes a pact with the devil, Mr. Applegate, to become a star player for his beloved Washington Senators. The revival's creative team and further casting details are expected to be announced at a later date. Neil Patrick Harris is a highly acclaimed actor with extensive experience in theatre, film, and television. He is a five-time Primetime Emmy Award winner and a Tony Award winner for his role as Hedwig in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" in 2014. His previous Broadway credits include "Assassins" and "Cabaret." Julianne Hough is a professional dancer, singer, and actress, known for her work on "Dancing with the Stars" and films such as "Safe Haven" and "Footloose." Austin Scott is a stage actor who has appeared in productions like "The Color Purple" on Broadway. The "Damn Yankees" revival marks a significant addition to the Broadway season, bringing a classic musical back to the stage with a star-studded cast. The production aims to capture the enduring appeal of the original story and its iconic songs, such as "Whatever Lola Wants" and "You Gotta Have Heart." The choice of Yankee Stadium for the announcement underscores the baseball-centric themes of the musical. The Spring 2027 timeframe positions the revival within a competitive Broadway landscape, with producers likely anticipating strong audience interest given the established intellectual property and the caliber of the lead actors. Further details regarding the director, choreographer, and design team are anticipated to be released as the production moves closer to its opening date. The engagement is expected to run for a limited engagement, a common practice for major Broadway revivals aiming to capitalize on initial buzz and critical reception. The musical's themes of ambition, temptation, and the love of the game continue to resonate with audiences, suggesting a potentially successful run for this new iteration.