Damn Yankees, Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski to star in Encores! Summer Stars

A full staged production of Damn Yankees, starring Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski, and directed by John Rando, will be the second offering of New York City Center�s new Encores! Summer Stars series.

The musical comedy will begin previews on 5 Jul 2007, with a planned opening scheduled for 10 Jul, and will run through to 27 Jul 2007, at New York City Center.

Damn Yankees is the story of Joe Boyd, the ultimate baseball fan, who sells his soul to the Devil (Sean Hayes) for the chance to help his team, the Washington Senators, win the pennant race against the Yankees. The Devil is aided by the sexy Lola (Jane Krakowski), who seduces Joe, but ultimately helps him outsmart the Devil and return to his beloved wife. Songs include "Heart" and "Whatever Lola Wants.�

Damn Yankees has Score and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop.

The original Broadway production of Damn Yankees opened at the 46th Street Theatre on 5 May 1955, playing 1,019 performances. Directed by George Abbott with musical numbers staged by Bob Fosse, the original cast included Gwen Verdon and Ray Walston.

Sean Hayes won an Emmy (and was nominated six times) for his portrayal of 'Jack' on 'Will & Grace.' He starred as Jerry Lewis in the television movie 'The Martin & Lewis Story.' His films include 'The Bucket List,' 'Pieces of April,' 'The Cat in the Hat' (as the voice of the Fish), 'Billy�s Hollywood Screen Kiss,' and 'Cats and Dogs' (as the voice of Mr. Tinkles).

Jane Krakowski originated the role of ' Dinah the Dining Car' in the 1987 Broadway production of 'Starlight Express.' She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in 'Grand Hotel' (1989); won the Tony Award for the revival of 'Nine (2003);' played April in 'Company' (1995) at the Roundabout Theatre; and appeared alongside Sarah Jessica Parker in the Broadway revival of 'Once Upon a Mattress' (1996). She starred on television in �Ally McBeal� and can currently be seen as Jenna Maroney on �30 Rock.�

John Rando won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for 'Urinetown' (2001). His other Broadway credits include: 'Broken Glass' (1994), 'The Dinner Party' (2000), 'A Thousand Clowns' (2001 revival), 'Dance of the Vampires' (2002), and The Wedding Singer (2006).

This marks the Second Encores! Summer Stars poduction. The series opened last year with Gypsy and starred Patti LuPone as 'Mamma Rose'. That production has now transferred to Broadway where it opened to rave reviews on 27 Mar 2008 at the St. James Theatre.