Johnny Baseball
Book by Richard Dresser
Lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
From a story by Richard Dresser and Willie Reale
Directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson
Student Matinees Jan 29, 30, Feb 5 and 6, 2013

Recommended Grade Level: 10-12

Suggested Areas of Study and Discussion: Musical Theater, Tall Tales, Baseball Lore, Baseball As a Cultural Phenomenon, Institutional Racism

The Setting: Fenway Stadium, 2004 and the 86 years before.

The Story: As Red Sox fans frantically enact superstitious rituals to break the “Curse of the Bambino” and beat the Yankees to play in the 2004 World Series, a mysterious fan appears in the stands and reveals a story of racial injustice as the more probable cause for the 86 year curse on the Red Sox. In 1920, when Red Sox managers demanded that Johnny O’Brien, a talented new pitcher who was paving the way to the World Series, must publicly deny his relationship with his African American girlfriend or be cut from the team, O’Brien complies, but loses both his true love and his ability to pitch, spending the rest of his life in regret. Years later, a young black pitcher who has abilities even more remarkable than O’Brien’s appears on his doorstep, and when O’Brien gets him a try out for the Red Sox, he is refused (along with Willie Mays) based only on his race. Part tall tale, part baseball lore, this brand new musical will engage your students and prompt classroom discussion about institutional racism in professional sports and beyond.