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The Seventh Game of the World Series | |||
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It's come down to this: bottom of the 9th, two on, two out. All Vincent Valence ought to have on his mind is hitting a home run. Instead, he's thinking about impending negotiations with an unscrupulous owner, ongoing performance problems, and a lover threatening to expose his darkest secret... Featuring all original songs, this musical comedy explores what happens when a ballplayer must decide whether to come out of the closet on the eve of the most important game of his career.
Email dhadbawnik@yahoo.com EXIT ON TAYLOR 277 Taylor Street Wednesday 3 7:00 PM May 2002: New York Mets star catcher Mike Piazza, responding to rumors, holds an impromptu press conference before a Mets-Phillies game to tell the world, "I'm not gay. The truth is that I'm heterosexual and date women and that's it. End of story." Mets GM Steve Phillips adds: "If statistics hold up, in every clubhouse there is somebody who is gay. So what? Who cares?" Inspired by classic musicals, The Seventh Game of the World Series takes this premise and runs with it, handling the controversial issue of gay athletes with deft humor and a genuine love for the sport. The story itself is an entirely plausible through-the-looking-glass take on the world of modern baseball: Vincent Valence, superstar shortstop for the Generals, is a rising talent who just needs to finish the season without incident in order to cash in on the free agent market. But Old Man Blackstone, the owner who's been running the team into the ground for years, suddenly has them in the World Series, with his evil, Steinbrennian nephew Frank ready to take over and move the team to Midland. All the media attention has got Vincent feeling more and more uncomfortable with his reputation as a hard-drinking, hard-partying womanizer, a persona he's invented to hide his true sexuality. Vincent's boyfriend Louis is all in favor of his coming out with the truth -- except that he also happens to be the star's agent, and so advises Vincent to keep walking a tightrope until he's got him safely signed somewhere for untold millions. But the pressure is getting to both of them, and when the truth of the matter gets into the wrong hands, Vincent Valence has to make a decision that could let down his manager -- a lovable loser who's waited his whole life for a shot at a Series win -- all the rabid fans who've jumped on the Generals' bandwagon, his teammates and himself. Besides the coming-out story that this baseball fantasy hinges on, The Seventh Game of the World Series dares to ask tough questions about the game of baseball itself, such as: Why can't most owners put a decent team on the field without charging an arm and a leg for everything from bleacher seats to watered-down beer? Why are some fans willing to risk life and limb for any scrap of game-used paraphernalia, no matter how bizarre? And what's up with some teams' hideous uniform combos? The first version of this piece was produced in January 2003 during the Poets Theater Jamboree, sponsored by Small Press Traffic at CCAC's Timkin Hall. David Hadbawnik (writer and director) is a poet and performer whose book About a Dog will be published by Skanky Possum Press in 2003. Stephen Berry (Vincent Valence, star shortstop) is currently an MA student at SFSU, enrolled in the comparative literature department, with a major in Russian literature. Stuart Bousel (Louis Lalime) most recently appeared in No Nude Men's production of Edward II, which he also adapted and directed; his new play, Nooze, will open in San Francisco in November. Chris Leone (Old Man Blackstone) produces the critically acclaimed variety show, "The Smallest Show in Town," and fronts The Lipsey Mountain Spring Band. Joe Leone (Frank Blackstone) has appeared in productions of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Rumpelstiltskin, and Damn Yankees. Other players include Adam Genser, Anne Franklin, Perry Smith, Tanya Luckerath, Delphine Mae, and Allison Chen. The play will also feature a four-piece band led by Joel Behrman (Bear Cult, United Brassworkers Front), musical director and arranger, and lighting/stage design by Gina Leone. Adam Genser -- Joe Kopetzky Anne Franklin -- Home Run Mary, Matty Perry Smith -- Slidin Sal, Darla Devor, Buzz Tanya Luckerath -- Tiny, Ballgirl Delphine Mae -- T-Bone, Hojo | |||