Scott Hayes emails from Provincetown via Facebook telling me that he's going to be in a show this summer, and it is one to die for. I've been yearning to see Take Me Out for some time now, but none of the Berkshire theatre companies have plans for it. Perhaps the nudity and themes are a little too challenging, though Berkshire Theatre Festival did Love, Valour, Compassion a couple of seasons ago. The most recent production in Massachusetts that I can recall is the one done by the ill-fated Worcester Foothills Theatre last November. Looks like I will make the trek to Provincetown this summer to see it. I lived there for a spell back in the 90's and many local residents are part of the production. Plus I will get to see Kate Clinton, too, if I time it right!
Take Me Out, for those who are not familiar, is the story of a baseball team which explores the issues of homophobia, racism, class and masculinity. It is set in a locker room and its main character, Darren Lemming, is a popular mixed race player at the peak of his career who decides to come out. The reactions of his teammates is mixed, and some are supportive and others not so accepting. The story plays out over the course of the season with tragic consequences.
Vince Rodriguez III is playing the role of Takeshi Kawabata. Vince just returned from Tokyo after playing in the national company of Xanadu there.
The play won numerous awards when it played off Broadway at the Joe Papp Public Theatre in 2002, moving to Broadway in 2003 and running 355 performances. It is written by American playwright Richard Greenberg and was first staged by the Donmar Warehouse in London.
Awards
2003 Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play
2003 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play
2003 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding play
2003 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play
2003 Tony Award for Best Play
Nominations
2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
The Provincetown presentation is by Counter Productions and will run from July 8 to August 20 at the Provincetown Theatre, 238 Bradford Street in P-Town. The schedule is Wednesday to Saturdays from July 8 to 18 and then in Repertory with Gross Indecency and City of Angels when it will play Wednesday and Thursdays only from July 22 to August 20. Their theatre box office is 508.487.7487. tickets are also available through theatermania.com.
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