CAST

SPECIAL GUEST | Danny Cox

PRODUCTION TEAM

Baseball: a Musical Love Letter is a family-friendly musical revue that weaves together the history of baseball with music from every corner of the American songbook: opera, musical theater, and jazz. Written and conceived by stage director Kathleen Belcher and dramaturg Dan Rigazzi, and led by conductor Chevalier Lovett, this production is an intimate, cabaret-style performance that traces baseball’s early years from the 1919 Black Sox Scandal and the jazz age; to the rise of the Negro Leagues and a celebration of Jackie Robinson; to WWII and the establishment of the Women’s Baseball League; to a final celebration of baseball as the Great Equalizer—a place where all are welcome.

The work premiered at Kansas City Lyric Opera in 2021 featuring folk, blues, and roots singer-songwriter and recording artist Danny Cox who will make his Opera Orlando debut in this production. An accomplished guitarist and singer, Mr. Cox has celebrated a 55-year career in cinema, theater, recording, and writing. The songs of the civil rights movement led him to a career as a folk singer. He joined the Hootenanny tour, where he played every major theater, including Carnegie Hall. In 1967, Danny came to Kansas City, where he embarked on a theatrical career, winning the best theater award twice. He is a renowned voice-over artist in Kansas City, and is known for writing and performing the city's iconic Grass Pad jingle. At 78, Mr. Cox continues to work in theater and music as a solo artist and with his band.

Baseball: a Musical Love Letter will be presented at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre with a musical pre-show presentation featuring the Con Vivo singers and ballpark snacks. Audience members are encouraged to sport their favorite baseball team’s jersey or to don their team’s hat for the show.

Play Ball!

SONG LIST

“In 1839” from The Mighty Casey
music by William Schuman and lyrics by Jeremy Gury 

“What a Game!” from Ragtime
music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

“The First Baseball Game”
music by Don Raye & Gene de Paul

“Prologue” from 1919: A Baseball Opera 
music and lyrics by Rusty Magee

“What Have You Got to Lose?” from 1919: A Baseball Opera
“Say It Ain't So, Joe” from 1919: A Baseball Opera

“Baseball Boogie” by Bill Williams

“Don’t Look Back” 
music by Fred Sturm and lyrics by Satchel Paige

“Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” 
music by Count Basie (arr. Fred Sturm) and lyrics by Buddy Johnson

“Six Months Out of Every Year” from Damn Yankees 
music by Richard Adler and lyrics by Jerry Ross

“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” 
music by Albert von Tilzer and lyrics by Jack Norworth 

“In the Cards” from Diamonds 
music by Alan Menken and lyrics by David Zippel

“You Gotta Have Heart” from Damn Yankees

Opera Orlando partners with the Orange County Regional History Center for this conversation about baseball’s surprising ties to the Central Florida area, also featuring selections from Baseball: a Musical Love Letter sung by the cast.

Thursday | May 11, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

Orange County Regional History Center
65 E Central Boulevard | Orlando, Florida 32801

Admission is FREE. RSVP requested.