Preview: Hampton High School rehearsing 'Damn Yankees'

HAMPTON, Pa,None — Hampton High School will be performing the musical comedy “Damn Yankees” this upcoming spring.

“The producer, vocal director, choreographer, and myself all realized the tremendous wealth of talent we had coming to us this year,” said Dan Franklin, director of “Damn Yankees.”

Franklin was confident his cast could take on the challenge of a musical that required more in-depth characters and challenging choreography. So far, he’s been thrilled with his cast's passion to be challenged.

Franklin has extensive experience in the theater world, fully directing eight shows and being the technical director for more than 40 shows and scenic designer for more than 45 shows. He also teaches a class at Hampton that is in charge of building the impressive “Damn Yankees” set.

Leads Michael Trimm and Cassie Lombardo play Joe Hurdy and Lola. The two have both been acting since they were young, performing in various shows and even productions outside of school.

Lombardo has been involved in North Star Kids, took singing and acting lessons and said she’s been lucky enough to perform at places like Disney World and Heinz Field, to name a few.

“Performing is what I love to do and I love that musical allows me to explore the opportunities with others to share the same interest and passion for the arts,” said Lombardo.

Trimm and Lombardo exude the passion that Franklin was talking about, putting forth all their effort even if the scenes during rehearsal are repeated over and over again.

“The most challenging part of my role has to be that Joe Hurdy is more of an actual person than a cartoon.  It’s taken a lot of work fleshing out the sides of the character and his relationships,” said Trimm.

Along with demanding character acting and choreography, “Damn Yankees” has plenty of large group dances and full cast scenes.

It doesn’t always feel like work to this close-knit cast.

“I think this has to be one of the most hardworking casts in the area, and it’s great being a part of a family that cares this much about putting on the best show possible and having fun doing it,” said Trimm.

“Damn Yankees” will run April 13, 14, 20 and 21.

WPXI