Take Me Out Broadway is a Tony Award-winning play written by Richard Greenberg. The play follows the story of Darren Lemming, a star baseball player in the Major Leagues, who decides to come out as gay. The play examines the impact this has on his teammates, his team, and the game of baseball itself. It has been hailed as a groundbreaking and powerful exploration of masculinity and homophobia in sports.
Plot
The play follows the story of Darren Lemming, a talented center fielder for the Empires baseball team. When Darren decides to come out as gay, it causes a stir among his teammates and the league. While some of his teammates are accepting, others are not, and his manager is worried about the potential impact it could have on the team’s performance. As the play progresses, the team’s fortunes begin to turn and Darren must face the consequences of his decision.
Themes
Take Me Out Broadway explores a variety of themes related to masculinity, homophobia, and the power of sports. The play examines how the macho culture of professional sports can lead to a culture of homophobia, and how this can have a negative impact on athletes who are different. It also looks at the power of sports to unite people, and how it can be used to break down social barriers.
Characters
- Darren Lemming: The star center fielder for the Empires. He is a talented player and a leader on the team. He decides to come out as gay, which causes a stir among his teammates and the league.
- Mason Marzac: Darren’s teammate and best friend. He is initially supportive of Darren, but his feelings change as the play progresses.
- Kippy Sunderstrom: A pitcher for the Empires. He is initially uncomfortable with Darren’s decision to come out, but eventually comes to accept it.
- Shohei Otomo: A Japanese player who joins the team after Darren comes out. He helps the team embrace Darren and learn to accept him.
- Davey Battle: The Empires’ manager. He is initially concerned about the impact Darren’s decision could have on the team, but eventually learns to accept it.
Reception
Take Me Out Broadway was met with critical acclaim upon its debut. It won the Tony Award for Best Play and was hailed as a groundbreaking and powerful exploration of masculinity and homophobia in sports. The play has since been adapted into a movie, and continues to be a popular and widely praised work of theater.