The Canyon Theatre Guild will present the hit play, “Clarissa’s Closet,” and the broadway musical classic, “Damn Yankees,” beginning March 28 and continuing into April.

“Clarissa’s Closet”

“Clarissa’s Closet” is a family-friendly show that tells the story of an imaginative and bold young girl who loves to write and hates to clean her room, especially her closet. She imagines the items in her closet transform into a variety of characters, ranging from pirates and monsters to Hobbits and angels, and takes the audience on a comical adventure as she attempts to clean, and conquer, her closet.

“‘Clarissa’s Closet’ has been successful in the past because it’s a wonderful script, it’s very funny and very appropriate for kids of all ages,” said TimBen Boydston, artistic director at Canyon Theatre Guild. “So a lot of parents and grandparents bring children, for one of their first theater appearances sometimes, to a show of this nature.”

In addition to the musical numbers and fanciful action of the play, the theater is planning an interactive pre-show as well as photo opportunities with the characters after the show, according to a news release by Canyon Theatre Guild.

“The play itself is just plain fun for everyone,” said Director Ingrid Boydston. “So bring the whole family, and don’t forget your camera.”

Matinee performances of the show will be on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. on March 29 and 30, as well as April 5, 12, 19, 26 and 27. There will also be evening performances at 6 p.m. on April 6 and 13 and a performance at 8 p.m. April 4.

“Damn Yankees”

The Broadway musical classic, “Damn Yankees,” is a clever, fast-paced show that asks viewers what it would take for them to sell their soul to the devil.

In the musical, a middle-aged baseball fanatic named Joe is a member of the hapless Washington Senators baseball team, who always lose their games. Joe makes a pact with the devil, who agrees to turn him into a 22-year-old baseball superstar and transform the Washington Senators into a winning team.

However, Joe comes to realize the true worth of the life he’s left behind and is faced with an important decision when he discovers the pact has an ‘escape clause’ that would allow him to return to his former life.

“Damn Yankees” is directed by Donna Manfredi and offers attendees an all-American subject matter and irreverent sense of humor that strives to entertain even those not already a baseball fan, theater officials said.

Evening performances will be at 8 p.m. on March 28 and 29, as well as April 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Two matinee shows are scheduled for 2 p.m. April 6 and 13 and an additional show will be held at 6 p.m. April 27.

Tickets cost between $12 and $17 depending on the attendee’s age and location of seats. To purchase tickets or for more information about either show, call the Canyon Theatre Guild Box Office at 661-799-2702.

The Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street in Newhall.

– Melissa Lampert