The Observer, September 14, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 3
Take Me Out explores controversy, if only on superficial level
click to enlarge
It takes a lot of effort for a theatrical production to effectively make a statement about a societal issue. When a play addresses a controversial topic such as homosexuality, not only does it attract a curious audience, but it is judged in a much different light. While Dobama Theater's recent production Take Me Out was innovative and, at times, exciting, the play fell short at addressing the complexities of homosexuality.
The play, written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Scott Plate tells the story of Darren Lemming, one of the biggest talents in major league baseball. Exceedingly confident in his athletic ability and equally secure with his identity as a gay man, Darren, played by Michael May, professes his sexual orientation to his fellow teammates.
Naturally, some members of the team shy away from Darren, unsure of how to interact with him. Others, however, disregard his recent bombshell and treat him the same as before. One of these men is Kippy, Darren's closest friend on the team. Kippy, played by Phil Carroll, also serves as the narrator throughout the show and was effective at setting the atmosphere of a scene.
Another interesting relationship is that of Darren and his new business manager Mason. Played by the energetic Caleb Sekeres, Mason is himself a gay man, seriously struggling to become secure with his identity. Darren and Mason find comfort in one another, and their scenes together are genuine and heartfelt. From bouncing around the stage to explaining why the game of baseball is a metaphor for democracy, Mason brings most of the humor and insight to the play.
Unlike Mason and Kippy, the team's closing pitcher Shane Mungitt is less accepting of Darren. Fred Maurer does an excellent job of portraying Shane as an ill-bred redneck who knows nothing other than how to pitch a baseball. During a television interview, Shane negatively comments on the racial diversity of his team, and proceeds to complain about showering with a gay man. This conflict becomes Darren's biggest obstacle, and results in the play's climactic shower scene.
While the show elicited many laughs and included multiple scenes of full frontal male nudity, little was done to explore the deeper issues of homosexuality. Darren's confident demeanor made it seem like being homosexual was almost easy, and this is certainly not always the case. At times, Darren fell into the background when his story should have been at the forefront. The show did portray gay men in a positive light, but neglected to give the gay community enough recognition for the hardships they face in society. While entertaining, the show lacked a take-home message other than Darren's quote, "One's sexuality should not be someone else's problem." Much more could have been done to expand on this idea.
The nature of Cleveland State University's Factory Theater allowed the production to be intimate. The stage was enclosed by the audience, allowing a much more personal experience. Unfortunately, this also meant that the acoustics were at times hard to hear.
But the Factory Theater is not Dobama's home stage. Currently in the process of moving out of Coventry, the production group will soon finish their new theater on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.
Even though it is difficult to unpack the issue of homosexuality in a two-hour play, Take Me Out was refreshing, entertaining, and worth seeing.
