It was exciting to see “Damn Yankees” at Arena Stage on the heels of a dramatic seven-game World Series. But the show would have been just as exhilarating even without that. Dynamically directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo with a vibrant cast, this refreshed version of the musical hits it out of the theatrical ballpark. Adapted by Will Power and Doug Wright, with additional lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the essential Faustian-bargain story and characters remain the same as

From left: David Nevell (Carney) and Kasey Mahaffy (Alfie) in "A Man of No Importance" at A Noise Within (Photo by Craig Schwartz)...