Award-winning regional theatre company Nearly Naked Theatre opens its eighth season here this Saturday, August 19, with the Arizona premiere of Richard Greenberg's play, Take Me Out.
Called "engagingly powerful and hysterically funny," the baseball-themed play about a star pitcher who comes out of the closet won an avalanche of Best Play awards including from the New York Critics' Circle, the Outer Critics' Circle, and the most-coveted theatre award of all, a "Tony."
Yes, there's male nudity.
But the big news is that porn superstar (and Rascal exclusive) Brandon Lee has the lead role. And it's not a secret.
Lee, who is attending a major airline flight school in Arizona, had some down time between flight simulations recently and dropped by the Phoenix Theatre to see its production of The Who's Tommy. During intermission he bumped into the director and complimented him on the show. "Apparently, he recognized me," Lee told GAYVN, "and asked me if I would be interested in being in Take Me Out. I said yes and he cast me on the spot."
Leading up to opening night, Lee said, "I simulate during the day, hit the gym, and then go to rehearsal. At times, it gets really tiring. I am currently learning to fly 737's and 757's and also learning to speak Japanese for the play — my role in the show is a Japanese pitcher playing for a U.S. team.
"I don't plan on leaving the adult film industry," he added. "I highly enjoy living a double life."
After premiering Saturday, Take Me Out plays Thursday through Sunday until Saturday, September 16, at The Little Theatre at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd. in downtown Phoenix.
Tickets are available from Phoenix Theatre’s box office, 602-254-2151. For additional information, visit NearlyNakedTheatre.com or contact Nearly Naked Theatre at 602-274-2432.
Photo: Channel1Releasing.com
