WERS 88.9 fm - artist interview: A.R.T.

By Daniel Kobialka
7.15.10

American Repertory Theater Performs Johnny Baseball

Four cast members from the Red Sox-based musical, Johnny Baseball, stepped up to the plate with a live performance and interview at WERS. 

Johnny Baseball brings "the Curse of the Bambino" to the musical stage. Performers Colin Donnell, Stephanie Umoh, Charl Brown and Alan H. Green shed light on the musical that brings baseball fans and theatre lovers to the Loeb Drama Center in Harvard Square.

The musical is a result of the efforts of Richard Dresser, Robert Reale and Willie Reale. Dresser, a lifelong Red Sox fan from Worcester, wrote the musical's story, while Willie and Rob Reale—Yankees fans—wrote the music and lyrics. Donnell said they provide something for audiences from opposite sides of the spectrum.

Donnell plays the role of Johnny O'Brien, a fictional character who joined the Red Sox in 1919, the year Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees. According to Donnell, the musical has something for everyone.

"They've put together a real love letter to the Boston Red Sox and to the town of Boston—and it's surrounding anybody who has a passion for the Red Sox and baseball in general," Donnell said. "But beyond that, on the opposite side of the spectrum is the people who don't give a rip about baseball. And they find something to fall in love with in the love story—in the enthusiasm that comes across for baseball, and for the Red Sox. Everything sort of permeates, whether you're coming from the baseball or the theater [side], you sort of fall in love with the other at the same time."

Donnell's in-studio performance of "All I Have to Do" was a home run. And according to cast mate Umoh, he has helped fellow cast members by providing a calming presence on set.

Umoh portrays Daisy Wyatt, an inspired jazz singer from the South who goes to Boston in pursuit of a music career. Wyatt meets O'Brien while singing, and the two fall instantly in love during the song.

Umoh gave a passionate rendition of "Color Me Blue," a song that reflects the social pressures of the period that made it impossible for O'Brien and Wyatt to be together.

Brown and Green followed Umoh's performance by bringing the heat. The duo gave an upbeat performance with "See You in the Big Leagues," a song that expresses the aspirations of the characters.

Brown plays the role of Tim Wyatt, a young black baseball player who tries out for the Red Sox and meets O'Brien while he is managing a farm-league team in Worcester. Along the way, Tim Wyatt meets Brown's character, Willie, a man who wants to be the Red Sox's first black player.

The cast members live in New York, but do not root for the Yankees, and said they have enjoyed the experience in Boston thus far.

"We are having an absolute great time," Brown said. "It's a great show. We enjoy doing it every single night; at least I know I do. And the audiences have been spectacular, and so gracious, and so nice and welcoming."

The cast had the chance to watch a game at Fenway Park, an experience they say has enhanced their work on stage.

"That was really pretty special," Green said. "To actually be there. That park has a magical feel about it, and that certainly helped inform what we're doing on stage every night."