The high living costs of New York City seem even higher for struggling performing artists. Even those who have successfully broken into popular off-Broadway shows and tour companies sometimes have to look elsewhere to make ends meet. Actor Joseph Ditmyer is no exception.

“I worked at a gift shop in New York between gigs,” Ditmyer said in Davenport, while preparing for his next show. “The shop is closed now and I don’t know what I’m going to do. I should be able to find another job easily. Anyway, I’ve been lucky enough to keep a steady gig.”

Currently touring with the musical comedy production “Damn Yankees,” Ditmyer has another three and a half months before he has to think about what he is going to do next. Until that time comes, he is devoted to his character of Young Joe.

“[‘Damn Yankees’] is about a baseball team, the Washington Senators, and 50-year-old Joe Boyd, a long time fan of the team,” Ditmyer said. “Boyd makes a deal with the devil to lead the team to the championship in return for his soul.

“Boyd is turned into a 22-year-old man and is forced to realize how good his life really was and we watch him trying to get it back,” he continued.

Ditmyer’s role of playing Young Joe has proven to be fun but challenging.

“The most difficult thing is portraying a 50-year-old man’s mind and soul in a 22-year-old man’s body,” Ditmyer said. “The hardest part about acting is being real — to take a script and role and bring yourself into it. To not do it like Joe Ditmyer would do it, but like the character would.”

Originally opening on Broadway in 1955 under the direction of George Abbott, “Damn Yankees” almost immediately began hitting home runs. The production won eight Tony Awards and ran for 1,019 performances. It was brought back to the Broadway stage in the early ’90s.

“[‘Damn Yankees’] is a well written show with beautiful music,” Ditmyer said. “Some musicals have well written scripts and OK music. Some have great music but poorly written scripts. ‘Damn Yankees’ is flawless.”

The “Damn Yankees” will be sliding into Stephens Auditorium Saturday for shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10, $14, $17 for students and $20, $28, $34 general admission and are still available through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office and all TicketMaster locations.