While a Joe Hardy hasn't yet been cast for the Theatre Under the Stars spring revival of Damn Yankees, the lucky young actor will be fighting to keep his soul from none other than Tony Randall. The beloved TV star of "The Odd Couple" will play the Satan-ish Mr. Applegate through Yankees' run March 21-April 2 at TUTS' Arena Theatre in Houston, TX. Randall is best known for his anal-retentive turn as Felix Unger in TV's "The Odd Couple," alongside Jack Klugman. Randall's most recent return to the Broadway stage was also opposite Klugman in a revival of another Neil Simon work, The Sunshine Boys. Randall is executive producer of the National Actor's Theatre, the group he established in 1991 to revive classic plays at affordable prices. (no word yet on the company's next project; previous mountings have included The Gin Game, The Crucible and A Little Hotel on the Side.

Bick Goss will direct Damn Yankees with choreography by John MacInnis. Designing the show are John Farrell (sets), David C. Woolard (costumes), Kirk Bookman (lighting) and Beth Berkeley (sound).

Also in the Arena season will be 1776 Oct. 10-22 and The Wiz Dec. 5-17. In the summer season at the Wortham will be Evita July 11-23 and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Aug. 8-20.

For subscription information ($316-$71), call (713) 558-8850. Shows run in both the Arena Theatre and Brown Theatre at the Wortham Center. Theatre Under the Stars is on the web at http://www.tuts.com.

-- By Christine Ehren