Take Me Out: A Play

The Story

ôA funny and troubling look at athletes and identity . . .Take Me Outis a dynamic, involving play.ö ùDonald Lyons,New York Post Darren Lemming is the star center fielder for the champion New York Empires. An extraordinary athlete, he fills both his fans and his teammates with awe at his abilities and his presence on the field and off. When he makes the matter-of-fact announcement that heÆs gay, he throws his team into turmoil and confusion, while he also emboldens his closeted accountant, Mason Marzac, to come to terms with his own sexualityùand to fully experience the pure joy of watching great athletes play a sport as well as it can be played. But DarrenÆs announcement brings to the fore the confused and twisted hostilities of the EmpiresÆ brilliantly talented but deeply racist and homophobic pitcher, Shane Mungittùfrom whose rage tragic consequences ensue. The American premiere ofTake Me Outtook place at the Public Theater in New York City in September 2002. It will move to the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway in February 2003.