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Broadway Star Trades Stage for Banana Ball
31 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Tony-nominated actor Derek Klena joins the Savannah Bananas.
- Klena stars in a music video announcing his move to baseball.
- The Savannah Bananas are known for their entertaining baseball style.

Tony-nominated Broadway star Derek Klena has embarked on a new adventure, joining the renowned Savannah Bananas baseball team. This transition marks a significant shift from his acclaimed theater career, which includes leading roles in productions like "Jagged Little Pill" and "Wicked."
Klena announced his move through a creative music video on social media, performing a revamped version of "Go the Distance." The video humorously depicts his journey from the stage to the baseball field, highlighting his childhood baseball background. The Savannah Bananas are the flagship team of Banana Ball, a league established in 2023 that redefines baseball with vibrant entertainment, interactive fan experiences, and viral online appeal.
Banana Ball games are known for their fast pace, unique rules, and dynamic showmanship, often drawing comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters. The league has gained a substantial online following, with games routinely selling out stadiums across the country. The preseason for Banana Ball is set to begin on February 26, with the regular season commencing on April 16.




