Carson Kressley to Star in Ogunquit Playhouse’s Revised DAMN YANKEES, 7/25-8/18

Hot off his run in "Dancing with the Stars," Emmy-winning television star, celebrity stylist, author and fashion designer, Carson Kressley will return to the Ogunquit Playhouse as Mr. Applegate (aka the Devil himself!) in the 2012 production of Damn Yankees (the new Boston Red Sox version!), on stage July 25 – August 18. This summer the Ogunquit Playhouse is celebrating its 80^th anniversary of producing award-winning theatre in Southern Maine. Carson Kressley was last seen at the Ogunquit Playhouse in his critically acclaimed performance as Man in Chair during the 2010 run of The Drowsy Chaperone. 

Kressley will head to the Ogunquit Playhouse after a 12 week run in an all new production of "Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas." In Damn Yankees, Kressley will play Mr. Applegate in this Faustian baseball musical that won seven Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway 56 years ago. In the new Ogunquit Playhouse production, die hard Red Sox fan Joe Boyd offers his soul to this devil in return for "one long-ball hitter." Applegate uses his power to turn Joe into a young, strong, handsome, long ball hitter with supernatural athletic abilities. As the team begins to win, Joe looks for a loophole to get out of the deal. The devilish dealmaker pulls out all the stops, most notably, the sizzling hot temptress Lola…. "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets." 

Previously, Kressley helmed Lifetime's "How to Look Good Naked" and earned a primetime Emmy for his role on Bravo's breakout hit series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." Kressley hosted ABC's "True Beauty," the WB series "Crowned" and "Your Own Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" on Oprah Winfrey's OWN network. He was a frequent style contributor on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" where millions of viewers accessed his expertise, style, and wit. He can also been seen as a style contributor on ABC's "Good Morning America" and "Live With Kelly!" Kressley is also New York Times best-selling author with three books to his credit including the children's book "You're Different and That's Super" a children's book promoting diversity and tolerance. His clothing line, "Love, Carson" will be available exclusively on Shop NBC this Spring. 

With a revised book by Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro based on the original script, the new Red Sox version of Damn Yankees moves the action from Washington, DC and plants it firmly in Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. The Ogunquit production will be directed and choreographed by song and dance man Jeffrey Denman, with Musical Direction by Ken Clifton.

Guarantee the best seats for the lowest price by buying a season subscription today. Subscriptions start at only $228 and individual ticket prices range from $39-$74 per show. Purchase tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, or through the Box Office at 207-646-5511. 

The 80^th Anniversary Season kicks off with Always, Patsy Cline, on stage from May 23 through June 16.  This inspirational show is told through the letters of Louise Segar, portrayed by Emmy Award winning actress, Sally Struthers. Next on stage is one of the most enchanting musicals of all time, Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, June 20 – July 14. This all-new production is based on the lavish and breathtaking 2008 Tony Award winning Lincoln Center production. Up next is the devilishly sexy Damn Yankees (the new Boston Red Sox version) on stage from July 25 – August 18. The season continues with the Broadway smash hit from multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter Dolly Parton, 9 To 5: The Musical, August 22 through September 15. This outrageously funny and heartfelt musical is based on the immensely popular movie and features the blockbuster title song plus, a jubilant score that mixes Broadway and pop with Dolly's irresistible style. Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story rocks the 80^th Anniversary season to a close from September 19 – October 21. Follow the incredible journey of Buddy's meteoric rise to fame with such rousing fifties favorites as "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy," "Maybe Baby," and "That'll Be the Day!"