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09/26/2011 12:02 AM

Fanatic Fans Put On Evening Of Jeter-Themed Plays

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Baseball fans can enjoy a series of one-act plays inspired by Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter at the South Street Seaport, and these theatrical works are nothing to balk at. NY1's Arts reporter Stephanie Simon filed the following report.

It may seem out of left field, but the Algonquin Seaport Theater is putting on a series of plays inspired by New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter.

In one play, a "lucky with the ladies" bachelor tells women he's Derek Jeter as a pick-up line, much to the chagrin of his friend, who loves Jeter.

As organizers of "The Derek Jeter Plays" can attest, not just theatrical characters find "El Capitan" inspiring.

"Basically, [actor] Wende O'Reilly came up with this fantastic idea to promote Derek Jeter by way of plays. So she wanted an evening of plays, actually she would be the only one, with her and Derek Jeter to be with her in it," says producer-actor Joan Pelzer. "But we decided, let's make it a big evening and have other people involved."

So Algonquin Seaport Theater put out a call and got more than 30 submissions. The seven plays selected are part of an evening of one-act plays called "The Derek Jeter Plays," and they all involve baseball and the Bronx Bomber.

As for O'Reilly, she's thrilled to play alongside her favorite guy, at least on stage, in "Pasta Diving Jeter," about a crazy fan like herself.

"I haven't been arrested or, you know, have any restraining orders out or anything like that, but I would consider myself more fanatical then fan," says O'Reilly.

Now, just like a regular baseball game, the evening starts off with a song. But instead of the national anthem, fans are treated to a very special serenade from O'Reilly, who croons, "Derek, I've got a screw loose for you."

As for the loveable Jeter impersonator in "I'm Derek Jeter," he is definitely using the Jeter angle to try and score.

"The Derek Jeter Plays" runs from September 29 until October 8 at the Algonquin Seaport Theater at the South Street Seaport. It may not be the big leagues yet, but let's face it -- those "Damn Yankees" always find away to make "the play."