“STANDING ON CEREMONY” PLAYS TO A PACKED HOUSE

September 12, 2009

North Hollywood, CA 

Photos and article copyright Suzanne Philips

 

The historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood was the site of an important one night only benefit play reading to bring attention to the issue  of Gay Marriage.  Director Brian Shnipper brought together an outstanding list of playwrights and actors in 11 short plays that all touch on the issue of Gay rights as they apply to marriage.

“STANDING ON CEREMONY – THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS” showcases works from Gay and Straight playwrights alike and touch on a variety of issues from adoption to health insurance to religion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playwrights Susan Miller, Jordan Harrison, Nancy Nyman and Heather McNama, Marcus Gardley, Jeffery Hatcher, Constance Congdon, Kira Obolensky, Terrence McNally, Wendy Macleod, Albert Innurato and Jose Rivera contributed works that are funny and poignant.  Some hammer their points home while others show their message in a more subtle way. 

The benefit was sold out for weeks and a diverse crowd packed the house to support the cause which was backed by EQ/CA and the Human Rights Campaign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrity readers included Zachary Quinto, Amy Brenneman, Roma Maffia, Jon Tenney, Dan Futterman, Debra Messing, Hamish Link later, Alfre Woodard, Timothy Olyphant, Dan Lauria, Jason Alexander and Josh Radnor.  The plays were all top notch and the actors who gave of their time were outstanding.  A better ensemble could not have been found.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A reception and silent auction followed and one could hear many discussions about the play and this important issue being held

To find out more information on the Human Rights Campaign, check out www.hrc.org.