HOLLYWOOD’s A-LISTERS and AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHTS UNITE FOR STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS
A one night only benefit reading for the Human Rights Campaign written and performed by America’s most celebrated artists
Los Angeles, CA (August 10, 2009) – On Saturday, September 12th at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, the Attic Theatre will present Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays – a one night only staged reading benefitting the Human Rights Campaign in response to the recent ruling on Proposition 8 in California. Standing on Ceremonyis conceived and directed by the Attic Theatre’s Artistic Director Brian Shnipper.
“When I watched Proposition 8 pass in California, I knew it was imperative for us as theatre artists to collectively respond and add our voices to the argument,” says Shnipper who then contacted prominent American playwrights and asked them create short plays addressing the issue of gay marriage in America and/or Proposition 8 in California. “What we got back were 12 amazing plays including a wide range of styles and approaches, from tender stories to hilarious, campy romps,” he continues.
Hosted by the legendary Miss Coco Peru, Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays will be performed by Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, Jason Alexander, Hamish Linklater, Clark Gregg (both of The New Adventures of Old Christine), Lisa Edelstein (House), Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years), Peter Paige (Queer as Folk) and Jillian Armenante, to name a few.
The playwrights represented in Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Playsinclude Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Good Boys and True at Second Stage and TV’s Big Love), Constance Congdon (Off-Broadway – Tales of the Last Formicans), Marcus Gardley (dance of the holy ghosts at Yale Rep), Jordan Harrison (Doris to Darleneat Playwrights Horizons), Jeffrey Hatcher (Tuesdays with Morrie stage adaptation and The Duchessstarring Keira Knightley), Albert Innaurato (Broadway –Gemini), Christopher Kyle (The Monogamist at Playwrights Horizons and Oliver Stones’ Alexander), Wendy MacLeod (The House of Yes), Terrence McNally (Love! Valour! Compassion!), Susan Miller (My Left Breast and The L Word), Kira Obolensky (Lobster Alice at Playwrights Horizons) and Jose Rivera (Marisol and The Motorcycle Diaries).
A wedding reception including cocktails, photographer and wedding cake will follow.
Check out what some of the playrights have to say about this important project:
Get your tickets now for this amazing one night only event! And check back with CFMNews for more details as they arrive!
Marcus Gardley – “Coretta Scott King always asked this question: It shouldn’t be an either or should it; peace and justice should belong to all people everywhere all the time? And I firmly believe this. When one group has certain rights and another group are denied these same rights for whatever reason – then peace and justice does not belong to everyone, everywhere all the time. And until it is, I must speak. I am compelled and honored to speak through my words for my community and for all people who believe in peace and justice”.
Wendy MacLeod – “I wrote the play because I can’t write a giant check” (to support gay rights)
Jose Rivera – “Whenever there are laws that separate people who love, something is wrong. Gay or straight we all speak out because we’re all potential targets. Justice should always be on the wide of love”.
It looks like a great evening for a great cause!