←Recommendations of The Coming Out Game

A rousing and savvy satire of the coming out process and all its terrifying corners and hopeful surprises. Heyman looks at a seminal point of every queer person's life and finds a way to bring some humor to it.

What a fabulous satire of a culture that needs to "out" people and thrive on their very personal and private journeys. This 10-minute radio play by SAM HEYMAN is wonderful. Strong characters, witty banter, and heart... lot of raw and genuine heart. I want to hear this performed. SO MANY FABULOUS SOUND OPPORTUNITIES.

What starts out as an effective satire of our there is no such thing as a private life culture evolves into something more affecting and profound. The coming out experience that seemed so in danger of being trivialized is given its true and resonant due. Lovely work.

It's not often that a ten minute play can bring tears to the eyes - this one did. It's funny, it's clever, it's satire doing what satire does best...but at its heart, this is a play that cares about the audience, cares about the person watching who needs to see it more than anyone. I love it.

[2025-07-02]
Underneath Sam Heyman's funny and endearing play about coming out is a searing indictment of our life-as-mass-entertainment society. The idea that personal rites of passage are fodder for public consumption is as old as (if not older) than "My Super Sweet 16." Heyman pops that particular balloon with comedic skill and a profound message that will resonate with people of any age who are struggling with their identity. This is a lovely play that I can't wait to hear performed.

Such a beautiful story with amazing comedic beats, that shifts into a powerful and uplifting message to the audience by the end. Absolutely incredible how much beautiful writing was compacted into this fun short play. I would love to hear a production of this story.

Sam Heyman's sense of humor and irony is on full display in this short, sharp sarcastic look at how coming out is a more than just a game. Reducing a life-altering moment to an audience-participation piece of entertainment underlines how our society trivializes such personal moments and exploits the hoopla. And yet, it is also uplifting for anyone who has faced a tough choice in their life, whether it's coming out and deciding their future: you don't have to be LGBTQ to come out.

Funny premise, to be sure, but there is insight, wisdom, and understanding here in terms of this very important moment in many people's lives. Heyman leaves you with a winning message after some humorous back and forth between the characters (mixed with good points to ponder). Not only would this be an enjoyable piece for listening, but I also think it would do a lot of good for those who listen (in many different ways). Pretty admirable objectives, and in my opinion, Heyman achieves them.