When I first saw “Damn Yankees” in the ’50s back at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven I was hooked on the musical theatre. Combining my love for baseball with great singing and dancing, a handsome hero and a sexy temptress was all I needed to fall in love with grand old musicals.

Ocean State Theatre has revived the Tony Award-winning musical, which also became a popular film, and makes the hit worth seeing, even if it isn’t quite a home run.

Matt Gibson, who has had a good run on and off Broadway, returns to his home state to play Joe Hardy, bringing his terrific tenor voice with him to score on “Goodbye, Old Girl,” “A Man Doesn’t Know” and “Near to You.”

New Bedford native John Costa plays Joe Boyd, the aging Yankee hater who sells his soul to the devil in return to lead his beloved Washington Senators to a pennant victory over the Damn Yankees.

You probably remember the story: Joe misses his devoted wife (Sally Ann Swarm) and cuts an escape clause deal which is in danger right up to the final game of the season.

But these are the old days of Broadway musicals where the good guys always win.

Coming from the good old days also makes for a long evening. Musicals back then were three acts, and usually ran for three hours.

Director Amiee Turner has consolidated the show into two acts, but a 90-minute first act is too darn long. Fortunately, the 45-minute second act moves along much quicker and smoother.

Good singing and dancing, especially with the large ensemble on songs like “Heart” and “The Game,” add to the fun of a somewhat dated and occasionally rough around the edges production, but it still is fun seeing the oldies but goodies brought back to the stage.

I personally wanted to see a less overpowering devil, one with a glint in his eye. Beau Allen has chosen to make him meaner and more in-your-face. Laura Gemelli makes a better Lola when she softens to Joe. She’s not that convincing to me when she is trying to seduce him.

That all goes back to how the actor and director see the character, and they see it differently than I.

All in all, “Damn Yankees” is a fun, nostalgic musical that provides some good, singing, dancing and romance.

The musical is at the Ocean State Theatre1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick through July 24. Tickets are $39-$59. Call 921-6800 for reservations.