The scent of sweat and raw, naked men are what come to the imagination as the audience finds themselves in a makeshift stadium locker room. As the lights go down, the audience is taken for a wild, funny and, at times, devastating ride into the world of 11 characters, each portraying what it is like to be an American in a society in which different perspectives come into play because of cultural differences.

Basically, the plot centers on Darren Lemming (Sebastian LaCause) and his coming to terms with his sexuality during a period in his life when he is seen as nothing more than the perfect American hero. For the most part, Lemming is forced to acknowledge his true self, because new pitcher Shane (hilariously portrayed by Michael Polak) has blatantly announced during a team press conference that his teammate is gay. Rumors fly, and heads butt because Shane is an ignorant “redneckish” man who has not been raised to properly tolerate differences (he makes fun of African-Americans, referring them as “Colored People”). Shane’s attitude also offends Darren, who is a Caucasian and African-American mix.

The game of baseball, considered to be the quintessential American pastime, seems to serve as a metaphor for the American dream where all people are equal. This comes into mind because baseball players for any one team usually come in different races, skin colors, and religious backgrounds. They have to play as a team in order to win and this spells out equality, especially when they are out on the field.

However, Greenberg seems to have been writing about, what goes on underneath that illusion of equality, especially since there are mixed and some shocking reactions to Darren Lemming’s coming out of the closet speech. Greenberg also seems to be making a commentary of the hypocrisies of conservative people, using the example of Darren’s relationship with rival team player Davey Battle (Lawrence Evans).Davey Battle is an all-American baseball player, with a trophy wife and three kids to prove he has it good, and seems to love Darren for who he is, that is before he comes out. However, their relationship drastically changes after that pivotal life-altering act. Probably most affected by Darren’s coming out, is the observant and wry Kippy Sunderstrom, who narrates most of the play, (Michael Shelton) in that he painstakingly tries to come to terms with all the unexpected events that are affecting his team, his mates, and ultimately, his own personal life choices and beliefs.

Hall has directed what has to be one of the most devastating and brilliantly comic scripts out there. He has each of the 11 ensemble members cleverly working like clockwork in each scene, in which each different personality counters the other with completely opposite characterizations, bringing a balance of comedy, heartache and pathos.

Shelton acquits himself well as the know-it all Kippy Sunderstrom. He has great speeches of observation written for him, and clearly knows, as a seasoned professional, not to over-act or to chew the scenery away from his other fellow actors.

LaCause however, is “Take Me Out’s” center. His Darren Lemming is one of the most heartbreaking characters out there today, and he plays him with the right moves, curves and all. He understands the pain of being alienated from society not only as a racially mixed person, but also as a gay man, which, despite today’s more open attitude, remains a figure still somehow trapped inside a closet.

“Take Me Out” is an exploration of what it means to be an American today, whether one is gay or straight, and a questioning of whether morals and attitudes are what defines who a person is. Wonderfully directed, and sparkling with candid and edgy dialogue, it serves as the perfect night to go out, not to the ball game, but to the Caldwell Theatre.

June 19-July 18, 2004.

Playing at the Caldwell Theater, 7873 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 33487-1640. (561) 241-7432. Ticket prices are $31.50-$65.00. Show times are Tues-Sat, 8pm, with Sundays at 2pm and 8pm.