NORWICH – The Norwich High School music department is prepared to unveil its annual musical production this weekend, and all involved are excited to present “Damn Yankees.”

“What’s funny,” said play director Mark Sands, “Is that we chose a show about baseball, and most of the kids knew little to nothing about baseball. But, they’ve come a long way in a short time, and they’re ready to show what they’ve got.”

The show begins with Joe Boyd, an avid fan of the Washington Senators baseball team, and his wife Meg, who seems unhappy that her husband is preoccupied with baseball.

After Joe’s wife goes to sleep for the night, he says that if the Senators had a long ball hitter, they would be able to beat the “damn Yankees.”

A man, Mr. Applegate, appears who is in fact the devil. Mr. Applegate offers Joe a deal. If he gives up his soul, he will become the baseball player the Senators need to beat the Yankees. Joe Boyd accepts and becomes “Joe Hardy.”

Ryan De Tomi, NHS senior, has been involved with musical productions since the sixth grade. He portrays both Joe Boyd and Joe Hardy in the show.

“I love that I am able to become a new character in every show I do,” said De Tomi. “I love working with Mr. Sands and Mrs. Williams, and the cast and crew are always a pleasure.”

De Tomi described the show as both funny and dramatic, and said, “It’s a great show. Maybe some people might not have heard of it, but we never disappoint.”

NHS junior Cassandra Corey plays the role of Meg Boyd, the wife of Joe.

“It’s such a cute story for both young and old, and the songs are great,” said Corey. “Being able to put something together from start to finish with this group has been wonderful.” Corey has been involved in productions since seventh grade.

Senior Joshua Seeley, known in the show as Benny Van Buren, plays the team’s coach.