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As Much as You Can Tonya Pinkins photo: Zachary Paris   Written by Paul Oakley Stovall Directed by Krissy Vanderwarker Produced by Hendel Productions West and David Tarlow Jesse returns home to Chicago for his brother’s wedding, and surprises his family by bringing along his Swedish boyfriend, Christian. Each family member has a different reaction to the couple. Half-sister Ronnie is supportive; younger brother Tony, is resistant to welcoming a white man into their African-American family; deeply religious sister Evy thinks that Jesse is betraying the memory of their dead parents by “choosing” a sinful, unnatural “lifestyle.” Through card games, language lessons, and literature, they all strive to live, love, and give as much as they can. Cast includes: Tonya Pinkins, Yassmin Alers, J. Nicole Brooks, Andrew Kelsey, Paul Oakley Stovall, Wes Ramsey, J. Karen Thomas. Tonya Pinkins received a Tony for her performance in “Jelly’s Last Jam.” She also played in “Radio Golf,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” “House of Flowers,” “The Wild Party,” and got Tony nominations for “Play On!” and “Caroline, or Change.” She played Livia Frye Cudahy on the ABC serial “All My Children.” Ms. Pinkins will not appear in the January 17 and 18 performances. Januay 3, 2008 Celebration Theatre, Los Angeles, California

Some Men Dan Morrison Richard Payton photo: Colleen Scribner   Written by Terrence McNally Directed by Joe Bailey Produced by Who Wants Cake? Like the individual patches of a quilt, myriad aspects of gay male life are explored from 1925 to the present. In humorous and thought-provoking ways — and as an antidote to spare, post modern theater — the lives of gay men are vividly and introspectively revealed. Cast includes: Jon Ager, Daniel Brengel, Tony Gross, Greg Miller, Dan Morrison, Dan Muldoon, Richard Payton, Jamie Richards, Charles Van Hoose. January 5, 2008 The Ringwald Theatre, Ferndale, Michigan

Angels in America: Part One: Millennium Approaches Written by Tony Kushner Directed by Brian Rivera Produced by Lambda Players In the mid-80s, a delirious AIDS patient is kept alive by the skill, cynical wit, and tough love of an ex-drag queen nurse. Their story is part of an apocalyptic (and sometimes comic) tale that deconstructs America, with religion and relationships under fire, and death everywhere. Throughout it all, an angel waits in the wings, ready to fall. This epic story takes place during the Ronald Reagan years, an era of AIDS un-awareness, and the tightly shut gay closet. It reveals history’s gritty secrets in a mad swirl of irony, intense drama, outrageous humor, and unexpected twists and turns. An hopeful meditation on faith, morality, love and sex. In 1993, Angels won a Pulitzer Prize in drama (for Part One “Millennium Approaches”) as well as a Drama Desk award for Best Play, a New York Drama Critics’ Circle award for Best Play, and a Tony award for Best Play. Cast includes: Eric Baldwin, Kevin Caravalho, Jes Gonzales, Maggie Hollinbeck, Eddie Jacson, Evan Johnson, Martha Omiyo Kight. January 11, 2008 Studio Theatre, Sacramento, California

Queen Christina Goes Roman Konima Parkinson-Jones, Julie Burrise photo: Jay Lawton   Written by Howard Casner Directed by Chrisanne Blankenship-Billings and Thomas Colby Produced by Halsted Street Productions Sweden’s Queen Christina abdicates her throne to have an affair with a nun. Pope Julius II, Edward II, Roy Cohn, and Peter Tchaikovsky are all alive at the same time. All modern conveniences, such as movies and planes exist, however, Galileo has just renounced his theory that the earth revolves around the sun. But in the end, does it matter? The more things change, the more they stay the same. Cast includes: Levy Baguin, Gregory Blair, Mikhail Blokh, Julie Burrise, Thomas Colby, Konima Parkinson-Jones, Donaco Smyth. January 12, 2008 The Complex, Hollywood, California

Shark Bites (a very nearly solo show) Jeffrey Hartgraves photo: Kent Taylor / poster: Brian Chavez   Written by Jeffrey Hartgraves Directed by Libby O’Connell Produced by Theatre Rhinoceros and The Ensemble Jeffrey Hartgraves, presents 75 minutes of humorous humiliations and personal epiphanies, explaining how fear is the most basic human motivation. An autobiographical work by a theater veteran, it is his first performance piece since being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (bone cancer). “Shark Bites” isn’t about cancer — Jeffrey is actually a Virgo — but it doesn’t shy away from the real (or imagined) fears that fill our lives. Cast includes: Jeffrey Hartgraves, P.A. Cooley, David Bicha, Drew Todd, davidmahr, T.J. Lee. January 17, 2008 Theatre Rhinoceros, San Francisco, California

The Daddy Machine Benjamin Shaffer, Andy Collins, Haley Heidemann photo: Ken Jacques   Written by Patricia Loughrey Music and lyrics by Rayme Sciaroni Directed by Rayme Sciaroni and Siobhan Sullivan Produced by Diversionary Theatre Young Harry, disgruntled over not getting his favorite pancakes for breakfast, accidentally invents a machine that produces dads, complete with plates of pancakes. In a household of two moms, two kids, and one singing dog, most of the 62 dads are produced by audience participation. Anyone can be a dad when they walk through the daddy machine. Cast includes: Jacob Caltrider, Andy Collins, Lirenza Gillette, Susan Hammons, Haley Heidemann, Max Oilman-Williams, Krista Page, Sven Salumaa, Benjamin Shaffer. The play is based on the book of the same title by Johnny Valentine. Sven Salumaa, Andy Collins, Max Oilman-Williams, Lirenza Gillette, Jacob Caltrider Alternate kid cast photo: Ken Jacques   January 18, 2008 Diversionary Theatre, San Diego, California

Prove It on Me Aynsley Bubbico, Sweet Baby J’ai photo: Bea Lamar   Written by Dee Jae Cox Original Songs by Michele Weiss Directed by Kelly Ann Ford Produced by LA Women’s Theatre Project, Theatre Planners, in association with Lilly Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center In 1929, some kinds of love could get you killed. A black blues singer and a wealthy, white socialite find that racism isn’t the only obstacle in their relationship. The Stock Market crash, visions derived from chicken bones and long guarded family secrets, weave together a drama infused with the passion of blues music and the dangers of forbidden love. New Orleans voodoo and Harlem blues come together as sultry lovers on a hot summer’s night. The spell is sweet and the fever high during the end of this roaring era, as a new and forbidden love begins. While a new tradition in music was being born, some family secrets should have stayed buried. Cast includes: Sweet Baby J’ai, Aynsley Bubbico, Deborah Kellar, Malik B. El Amin, Alan Brooks, Melinda Edmondson, Alan Keith Caldwell, Terrence Tatum. “Glad I didn’t miss this. … I had seen the reading at the village and it was one of the best readings I had ever been to; the staged production exceeded that. … It has a period flavor, voodoo, and magic and wonderful singing, and a hot woman-to-woman relationship.” - Bill Kaiser, Purple Circuit A world premiere. The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Project is dedicated to the education, support, promotion, and production of live performance projects that are of interest and benefit to women. Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center believes that art is essential to the human spirit, and that art helps save lives. The revenues earned by the Tomlin/Wagner Center are used, in part, to provide services for people with HIV or AIDS. January 19, 2008 The Stella Adler Theatre, Hollywood, California Information: 818-471-9100; lawomenstheatre@aol.com

Thieving Boy Like Stars in my Hands Luke Arnold, David Forster, Gary Abrahams photo: Chris Kapa   Written by Tim Conigrave, edited by Tony Ayers Directed by Robert Chuter Produced by La Mama Theatre and Fly-On-The-Wall Theatre Thieving Boy     As his father lies dying in bed, Moxy must assess not only     his troubled past, but in what direction life will lead him. Like Stars in my Hands     Simon, facing his own death, takes charge of his     own life, and that of his lover Marcello. Both plays are refreshing, uplifting, moving, as well as funny and sad celebratory stories of the power of love, sex and friendship. Conigrave’s plays deal with those matters that need to be resolved at the time of death: your own or someone else’s. Cast includes: David Forster, Sam Shore, Gary Abrahams, Lachlan Macleod, Heath Miller, Luke Arnold, Christopher Pender. These two, short, award-winning plays are by Conigrave, whose iconic memoir, “Holding the Man,” has become one of the most successful love stories in Australian publishing history. These plays are part of the 2008 Midsumma Festival, a gay and lesbian cultural event, Melbourne, Australia. January 19, 2008 La Mama Theatre, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Jigsaw Confession (top-down) Cheryl Jackson, Denis Schryburt, Nancy Kenny, Chris Bickford (r) Lawrence Aronovitch photo: Mark Webster   Written by David Lohrey Directed by Jim McNabb Produced by Marc Barrette A university chancellor has recently died. His son Dennis and his son’s fiancée, Lisa, have come to the chancellor’s home attic to retrieve personal possessions, before the estate reverts to the university. Dennis hopes to find a lost manuscript his father is said to have written. He hopes it will explain why his father left the family to live with another man. When the late Chancellor’s male lover, Chris, arrives, he and Dennis grapple with their conflicting memories of this once-powerful man. Cast includes: Chris Bickford, Nancy Kenny, Cheryl Jackson, Lawrence Aronovitch, Denis Schryburt. January 30, 2008 Arts Court Theatre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

———— February Openings ——————

Stay Forever: The Life and Music of Dusty Springfield Kirsten Holly Smith photo: Michael Rababy   Written and performed by Kirsten Holly Smith Additional written material by Patricia Cotter Directed by Derick LaSalla Produced by Lily Tomlin/ Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center, Jorja Fox and Leslie Brockett Dusty Springfield had a meteoric rise in the music industry; through Apartheid controversies, to her public outing as a lesbian. She was one of the most influential voices in the history of pop music. With such songs as “Son of a Preacher Man,” her career blazed a trail for generations of women and spread the rhythm and blues genre around the world. Dynamic singer and actress Kirsten Holly Smith brings Dusty vibrantly back as she performs 13 classic Dusty songs in this moving one-woman musical. February 7, 2008 The Renberg Theater, The Village, Los Angeles, California

Lorena Hickok & Eleanor Roosevelt: A love story Marjorie Conn photo: Marian Roth   Written by Pat Bond Directed by Marjorie Conn Produced by The Provincetown Fringe Festival in Asbury Park The amazing 30-year relationship between the First Lady of the Land and the top woman journalist in the United States is revealed. Lorena Hickok lived in the White House, and her story would be fascinating even if she hadn’t been Eleanor Roosevelt’s lover. She overcame incredible diversity including sexism and familial physical abuse, and her life story is inspiring. Roosevelt wrote more than 2,000 letters to her “beloved Hick.” Bond researched these letters, as well other personal materials, at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, N.Y. to create her masterpiece chronicle. Cast includes: Marjorie Conn. February 8, 2008 Stephen Crane House, Asbury Park, New Jersey

The Good Boy Tye Adams photo: eyecandy-photo.biz   Written and directed by Bill Becker Produced by ToBe Entertainment At 16, Grady is thrown out of his home when his family discovers he is gay. He struggles with drug use and prostitution, while attempting to survive on the streets. Mature, musical drama with nudity. Cast includes: Tye Adams, Robb Connor, Kim Langley, Kien J, Jere Castro. February 15, 2008 Gardner Stages, West Hollywood, California

The Paris Letter Written by Jon Robin Baitz Directed by Peter Levin Produced by Susan Albert Loewenberg, L.A. Theatre Works Wall Street powerhouse Sandy Sonenberg finds his personal and professional life threatened by the unraveling secrets of his past. After burying his true sexual identity, a lethal affair with a young, male associate forces Sonenberg to confront a lifetime of unrequited love and betrayal. A modern tragedy about power and money, and the ruinous effects they can have on friendship, love, marriage, and ultimately oneself. “ ‘The Paris Letter’ has potential to rank beside works of Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. Baitz writes vibrant, stingingly literate dialogue.” - Variety Cast includes: Ron Rifkin, John Glover, Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Radnor, Patricia Wettig. All performances are recorded to air on L.A. Theatre Works’ nationally syndicated radio theater series, “The Play’s The Thing,” broadcasts weekly on XM Satellite Radio as well as on public radio: 89.3 KPCC Southern California, 89.7 WGBH Boston, 91.5 WBEZ Chicago, 94.9 KUOW Seattle, 93.5 KRTS Texas, 90.5 KUT Austin, 88.9 KUNM Albuquerque, 94.1 KPFA in Northern, California, 91.1 KRCB Sonoma County, 89.1 KUOR in Redlands. February 20, 2008 Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California

Questa Dana Benningfield, John Haggerty photo: peterlauphotography.com   Written by Victor Bumbalo Directed by Jeffery Corrick Produced by Wings Theatre Company, Inc. Paul may have killed Lori’s son — or it was an accident — brought on by the homophobic taunts of a straight young man. Paul, obsessed with guilt, follows Lori, wanting to be relieved of guilt by first hating the world from which her son came. Eventually, he desperately attempts to bring relief to her suffering. Cast includes: Krista Amigone, Dana Benningfield, Jason Alan Griffin, John Haggerty, Jeremiah Maestas, G. Alverez Reid, Danny Wildman. February 23, 2008 Wings Theatre, New York, New York

———— March Openings ——————

The Ghosts of 14th Street Mallory Portnoy, Victoria Levin photo: Calico Studio   Written and directed by Barbara Kahn Produced by Theater for the New City In the Biograph Studio, in 1908 New York City, actors are filming a “one-reeler.” Between shooting “takes,” they reveal their dreams and fall in love. A husband and wife acting team rehearse routines they hope will allow them to work in live theater, and thereby gain legitimacy. An immigrant housekeeper leaves her gangster husband. A dancer finds love at the gay hangout, while his sister laments her unrequited love for the housekeeper. An African-American dancer refuses to perform in blackface. Two stagehands are determined to win the New York Times Limerick Contest. Later, a typical evening of Vaudeville — including music, dance, comedy skits, and female mimicry — takes place in the Olympic Theatre. It is here that the song “Yiddishe Yankee Doodle Boy” (Allison Tartalia, music, and Barbara Kahn, lyrics) is heard, and the finished Biograph film is seen. This comedy also has a gay male and a lesbian love story, as well as a lot of female mimicry, which was central to Vaudeville. Cast includes: Jocelyn Adams, Dan Burkarth, Robert Gonzales, Jr., Larray Grimes, Matt Lara, Victoria Levin, Dan McVey, Jake Nicholson, Mallory Portnoy, Kyle Wood. March 6, 2008 Theater for the New City, New York, New York

Concrete Folk Variations - Chapter One: Death of a Sugar Daddy “Detective Loretta Salt” Puppet by Susan Simpson photo: Susan Simpson   Written and directed by Susan Simpson Produced by Automata A prominent society maven and philanthropist — who secretly slums at lesbian dives — is murdered. Laconic L.A.P.D. beat cop Loretta Salt turns reluctant investigator and steps into an infested swamp of corruption, brutality, and subterfuge. An emotionally gripping noir play, set in McCarthy-era Los Angeles, Concrete Folk Variations is told through intricately-crafted puppets, projections and a minimalist mid-century Los Angles cityscape. Part one of a series to be presented in installments throughout 2008. Cast includes: Dan Rae Wilson, Katie Shook, Beth Peterson. March 6, 2008 The Manual Archives, Los Angeles, California

And Baby Makes Seven Matthew Lowe AnnaMarie MacLeod, ?, Katie Anderson photo: Dale Albright   Written by Paula Vogel Directed by Rebecca Longworth Produced by theatre Q Seven people in one New York City apartment can make for crowded living. But for lesbian couple Helen and Ruth, who, along with their gay friend Peter, are expecting their first child, it is not so bad. After all, three of their housemates are their imaginary children. But just to play it safe, the trio of adults decides it would be best to “get rid” of the make-believe kids. Cast includes: Katie Anderson, Matthew Lowe, AnnaMarie MacLeod. March 13, 2008 Dragon Theatre, Palo Alto, California

Naked b4 God Mike Jones photo: Mike Hicks   Written by Neal J. Davis Directed by Mike Dempsey Produced by Polimedia and Chris Johnson On November 2, 2006, the Rev. Ted Haggard — husband and father to five children — stepped aside as senior pastor of the 14,000-member New Life Church, and resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Mike Jones, a former gay male escort, had exposed the fact that he and the reverend had a three-year, sexual relationship. Mike now reveals — in person — how he began working as an escort, and what he thought about his gay client, who was also an anti-gay fundamentalist and strident opponent of legal marriage for same-sex couples. Mike tells all with humor, sadness and shock, as he discovers what happens after outing one of “God’s bullies.” Cast: Mike Jones. March 13, 2008 - 8pm The Bug Theater, Denver, Colorado

Bluebonnet Court Jo Anne Glover, Chris Buess photo: Coast Highway Photography   Written by Zsa Zsa Gershick Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg Produced by Diversionary Theatre and Moxie Theatre In 1944, wisecracking Helen Burke (nee Berkowitz) is on her way from Manhattan to Hollywood, and a coveted spot as an MGM contract writer. When her car breaks down on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, she finds aspects of American culture that are deeply troubling, and difficult to confront. Beneath the story’s comic veil, racism, anti-Jewish sentiments, homophobia, and a fear of the “other” are discovered; as well as finding family in the most unusual places. Cast includes: Chris Buess, Monique Gaffney, Jo Anne Glover, Lisel Gorell-Getz, Fred Harlow, Leigh Scarritt, Wendy Waddell. “Bluebonnet Court” won the 2007 GLAAD “Media Award for Outstanding Los Angeles Theatre.” Playwright Zsa Zsa Gershick is the author of “Secret Service: Untold Stories of Lesbians in the Military” (Alyson, 2005), and was a 2005 NPR “Summer Reading Pick,” and a 2006 winner of ForeWord Magazine’s “Best Gay & Lesbian Nonfiction Book of the Year.” Gershick’s “Gay Old Girls” (Alyson Books, 1998), was winner of ForeWord’s “Best Gay & Lesbian Nonfiction Book of the Year,” a finalist for the “Lambda Literary Award,” and a nominee for the American Library Association’s “Best Gay & Lesbian Book.” Her screenplay “Rozzie & Harriet” (Marion Levine co-writer) was a 1999 Los Angeles OutFest finalist. March 20, 2008 Diversionary Theatre, San Diego, California

Burnt Fields Micail Buse Andy Anthony, Tygar Hicks, Chad Jayson photo: West Ramsey   Written by Jimmy Cliff George and Kurt Gregory VanDover Directed by Kurt Kurtis and West Ramsey Produced by the Lambda Players Just past the turn-of-the-century, down a lonely stretch of road in the middle of the woods, is found the fictional small town of Burnt Fields, Mississippi. Three young lovers set into motion a chain of events that haunt the town’s inhabitants forever. Bigotry, friendship, prejudice, and revenge are all found in this hypnotic and tender lesson for life. Burnt Fields began as a series of unconnected monologues written by Jimmy Cliff George. He collaborated with Kurt Gregory VanDover, intertwining the stories, creating a tapestry of small town life. The first version of the play was performed in 1992, at the Sacramento Metropolitan Community Church, after receiving a new works award grant through the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. This production of Burnt Fields is being performed in honor, and in memory of, Jimmy Cliff George. Cast includes: Jackie Schultz, Mark Hoffman, Kurt Kurtis, Tygar Hicks, Chad Jayson, Andy Anthony, Micail Buse, Noemi Rios, Cameron Smith, Carissa Meagher, Olivia Stevensen, Mahlon Hall, Lynnette Blaney, Brittany Sims. March 21, 2008 The Studio Theatre, Sacramento, California

———— April Openings ——————

The Butterfly Effect Leon Acord, Jeffrey Hartgraves, P.A. Cooley photo: Kent Taylor   Written by Jeffrey Hartgraves and cast Directed by Leon Acord Produced by Theatre Rhinoceros and Larilee Productions Variety Show and auction to assist Jeffrey Hartgraves, one of San Francisco’s stage favorites. Friends of Jeffrey — from all aspects of the artistic community — gather to support him with this benefit gala. Included is a live and on-line auction of donated works, raffles, and an evening filled with music and laughter. Jeffrey, Bay Area veteran playwright, director and actor, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2005. Following a year of remission, he wrote and starred in his critically acclaimed “Shark Bites (a very nearly solo show)” at The Rhino. Hartgraves is now on another round of painful chemotherapy. Cast includes: Veronica Klaus, Matthew Martin, Connie Champagne, Leigh Crow, Trauma Flintstone, T.J. Lee, Leon Acord, David Bicha, Don Seaver, David Mahr, Donald Currie, Liz Ryan. April 20, 2008 Theatre Rhinoceros, San Francisco, California

Strawberry Daiquiri Drew Caiden photo: Peter Bull   Written by Drew Caiden Directed by Peter Bull Produced by Shamelessboyz Theatre Company Realms of relationships and ambiguity are explored through the eyes of a man who has come to re-enter the life of the “woman” he once loved. A kaleidoscope journey through gender identity, confusion, and manipulation: a mystery to unfold. Cast includes: Drew Caiden. April 25, 2008 Bucketworks Playspace, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Queer, the Musical Edisol Wayne Dotson photo: Michelle Gold   Written, directed and produced by Edisol Wayne Dotson Four, seemingly disparate tales find their story lines entwined in song. A cautionary cavalcade of dating, relationships and sex. A reading of the play, with lyrics spoken. Cast includes: Brent Anderson, Alex Garner, Jason Boegh, Flip Laffoon, Dylan Vox, James Tumminia, Peter McGlynn, Jonathan Bierner, Marcus Proctor, Rodney J. Hobbs, Julie Inmon, Vita Lusty, Cindy Clark, Francette Castilla. April 26, 2008 Hudson Theatre, Main Stage, Hollywood, California

———— May Openings ——————

Corpus Christi Rich Carrillo, Trevor Bowles photo: HenzelDesign.com   Written by Terrence McNally Directed by Nic Arnzen Produced by Diversionary Theatre Thirteen barefoot actors perform a play within a play, starting with the birth of Joshua/Jesus in a Texas motel. Soon evils emerge, such as wife-beating, loveless sex, gay-bashing and clerical humiliations. A contemporary telling of the life of Jesus, as if he were a gay man and grew up in Texas during the 1950s. This parallel story of Christ tells a colloquial tale of the fight against cruelty, division, hatred, and, above all, hypocrisy. Cast includes: Trevor Bowles, Rich Carrillo, Scott Amiotte, Zachary Bryant, Tom Doyle, Kate Hewitt, Keifla, Brian Mackey, Jesse Allen Moore, Jessica Parsell, Anna Rebek, John Whitley, Rachael Van Wormer. May 1, 2008 Diversionary Theatre, San Diego, California

Dream Man Jimmy Shaw photo: ?   Written by James Carroll Pickett Directed by Michael Kearns Produced by Camelot Artists One night in the life of a phone sex hustler. Universal themes of loneliness and isolation; an aria for the brokenhearted. “Dream Man” was written in 1985 and remains one of the most emotionally-charged responses to the emotional intricacies of the AIDS crisis. Premiered in 1986 at the Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles — where it now plays — “Dream Man” has been performed all over the world. Director Kearns has performed the role on stage numerous times, as well as in a (now rare and hard to find) 1991 VHS video. Cast includes: Jimmy Shaw. “He spared us nothing in the intensity of his phone calls, his skill at arousal, his intense vocal dexterity and vivid compulsive imagination. … Shaw is a pleasure to behold.” - Dublin ID Magazine, 2007 “Dream Man rips through loneliness, despair, passing youth, isolation, grief and fear in a masterful way.” - Dublin ID Magazine, 2007 May 9, 2008 Skylight Theatre, Los Feliz, California

Viva Vagina Andrea Phox, Susan Pellegrini, Charlita Williams, Marjorie Conn, Cheryl Fitzmaurice Vivian Taormina Anne Berkowitz, Ku’uipo Latonia-Radice, Susan Marco. Leslie Castellini, Sharon Lucas photo: Andrea Phox   Written by Susan Marco, Ku’uipo Latonio-Radice, Anne Berkowitz, Ima Kamra, Shareen Knight, Christine Emmert, Magic Morningstar, Elyse Nass, John Leslie Martin, Chris Shaw Swanson, Ruthie Levy, Patricia Florio, Carol MacAllister, Susan Pellegrini, Katheryn White, Randy Lee Hartwig, Cheryl Fitzmaurice, Vivian Taormina, Katy Dierlam, Miriam Devorah, Isabella Russell-Ides Directed by Marjorie Conn Produced by Provincetown Fringe Festival in Asbury Park and Mattison Park Personal stories are told in monologue, dialogue, poems, and skits with outrageous humor, complexity, poignancy, and complete realism. It is a celebration of our sensuality, sexuality and who we are as women. Enter into this forbidden zone with us. We will peel off the layers, and you will see what is at the heart of every woman. Special surprise guest star every week in this performance piece created for nine women. Cast includes: Andrea Phox, Anna Oleinik, Anne Berkowitz, Charlita Williams, Cheryl Fitzmaurice, Christine Emmert, Dr. Geena, Ku’uipo Latonio-Radice, Lesley Castellini, Lorraine Stone, Marie Cathleen, Marjorie Conn, Sharon Lucas, Susan Marco, Susan Pellegrini, Vivian Taormina. May 13, 2008 Mattison Park Restaurant, Asbury Park, New Jersey

Jeffrey Richard Payton photo: Colleen Scribner   Written by Paul Rudnick Directed by Joe Bailey Produced by Who Wants Cake? It’s 1993 and Jeffrey, a gay actor/waiter, has sworn off sex after too many bouts with his partners about what is “safe” and what is not. Suddenly, just after he has reconciled himself to celibacy, Jeffrey’s flamboyant friends introduce him to the man of his dreams, who happens to be HIV-positive. What follows is an audacious and moving romantic comedy, one in which the quest for love and really fabulous clothes meet, and where unflagging humor prevails even when tragedy might be just around the corner. Cast includes: Joe Bailey, Melissa Beckwith, Tony Gross, Gary Lehman, Dan Morrison, Richard Payton, Joe Plambeck, John Prakapas. May 16, 2008 Ringwald Theatre, Ferndale, Michigan

Nymphony in 12-D Rusty Hamrick, Beth Whitney, Barrett Kime, Mercy Malick, James Gaudioso photo: ?   Written and composed by Gib Wallis Directed by Gib Wallis Musical direction by Brian Murphy Produced by Playwrights 6 An aspiring gay singer moves into New York’s famous Ansonia Hotel, where the apartment’s resident nymph offers him stardom in return for some fleshly relief. Two thirds farce, and one third backstage musical, there is a lot of door-slamming and towel-dropping, mistaken identities, double-entendres, a few melodic pop songs, and one over-sexed nymph. Cast includes: James Gaudioso, Rusty Hamrick, Barrett Kime, Mercy Malick, Beth Whitney. May 17, 2008 Meta Theatre, Los Angeles, California

Fever Rick Lattimer, Miguel Belmonte photo: Dave McCracken   Written by Dave McCracken Directed by Dave McCracken Produced by DJM Productions, Inc. On a scorching desert landscape, under a relentless sun, two great warriors and mortal enemies, Atrox and Bonitas, have momentarily retired to their corners. Atrox enlists a handsome young soldier to seduce and capture Bonitas. It is a desperate battle between good and evil for the very souls of mankind. Will mankind continue in light and truth, or wither in darkness and deception? “Fever” is loosely based on Sophocles’ classic play “Philoctetes.” Cast includes: Miguel Belmonte, Rick Lattimer, Gregory Thornsbury. May 21, 2008 Dionysus Theatre’s L’il Peach, New York, New York

Out of Sight Sara Felder photo: ?   Written, directed and produced by Sara Felder A nearly blind woman and her adult lesbian daughter struggle for balance in their relationship. Their differing views of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis underscores intergenerational differences that they must overcome in order to find common ground. Solo theater artist and world-class juggler, Sara Felder uniquely integrates circus arts, shadow puppetry, and personal narrative, while exploring the big questions of life. Cast includes: Sara Felder. May 21, 2008 Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California

Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde Kevin Copps, Frederick Goris, Scott Ludwig, Patrick Hilt, John Aney, Matthew Lowe, Michael Moerman, Kevin Hseih, Thomas Azar photo: Dale Albright   Written by Moises Kaufman Directed by George Quick Produced by theatre Q Oscar Wilde was one of the greatest English playwrights, and also the center of one of history’s most heartbreaking stories. The play weaves together the transcripts from Wilde’s three trials with other writings on the subject, depicting the events that led to Wilde’s imprisonment, exile and ultimately his death. An account of the decline of the most notorious artist of his time, and a major turning point in the history of gay men and lesbians. Cast includes: John Aney, Thomas Azar, Kevin Copps, Frederick Goris, Patrick Hilt, Kevin Hseih, Matthew Lowe, Scott Ludwig, Michael Moerman. May 29, 2008 Dragon Theatre, Palo Alto, California

———— June Openings ——————

Cockette Symposium ? photo: ?   Written, directed and produced by Robert Croonquist Join the largest New York gathering of Cockettes since their theatrical catastrophe at the Anderson Theater in 1971. In 1968 this psychedelic-fueled, gender bending troupe of men, women, children, gay, straight and in-between became legendary for their performances at San Francisco’s Palace Theater. At the cultural forefront of gay liberation, these bearded, hippie, drag queens showed generations to come the creative potential within us all. Cast includes: Steven Watson, Mink Stole, HRH Lee Mentley, Scrumbly, Sweet Pam, Rumi, Fayette, Harlow, Jet, Tahara, Sebastian, Toots Taraval, Dolores DeLuce. June 5, 2008 New York City Gay Center, New York City, New York

Stonewall Stories ? photo: Sanford Kaplan   Written by Carol Polcovar Directed by David Gaard Produced by The Entertainment Agora in association with Nick Curto & All Out Arts, Inc. On June 27, 1969, the New York Police raided The Stonewall, a routine made largely to collect protection money as much as to harass lesbians, gay men, and transsexuals. They were shocked when the patrons resisted and their raid resulted in a riot that lasted for days. That moment of fighting back inspired gay men and lesbians throughout the country, which resulted in the birth of the modern gay rights movement. The lives of lesbian, gay, bi, and transsexual people around the world were forever changed. Poet, playwright and political activist Carol Polcovar spent two years interviewing participants in, and observers of, the 1969 Stone Wall Rebellion. From these interviews she created this award-winning evening of theater. Cast includes: Dolores Kenan, Michael Buoni, Aaron King, Mary Murphy. “Stonewall Stories” was named “Best Docudrama” in the 2006 Summer Festival Season by Theatremania.com and TalkinBroadway.com A portion of every ticket sold benefits the Metropolitan Community Church’s Sylvia’s Place, a shelter for homeless lgbt and questioning teenagers. June 25, 2008 Lerner Auditorium, LGBT Community Center, New York City, New York

———— July Openings ——————

Memoirs of a Single Gay White Male Yanick Dufresne, Nathan Loyer, Marc Barrette, Andy Williams, Jen Vallance photo: Mark Webster   Written by David Blue Directed by David Ferguson Produced by TotoToo Theatre and Lawrence Aronovitch 40-something gay white male Brad Lewis has a good job, great friends and a loving family. Oh yes, he is also single and there’s nothing wrong with that. Cast includes: Mark Barrette, Jen Vallance, Nathan Loyer, Yanick Dufresne, Andy Williams. “David Blue’s celebratory new play, by turns wry and witty, is further evidence that the closet itself has simply exploded.” - Review Vancouver July 16, 2008 Arts Court Theatre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

———— August Openings ——————

———— September Openings ——————

———— October Openings ——————

———— November Openings ——————

———— December Openings ——————

———— 2008 Festivals & Series ——————

Marga’s Funny Tuesdays - Queer Comedy Marga Gomez photo: David Wilson   Written by Marga Gomez, Ali Mafi, Ronn Vigh, and more. Directed and Produced by Marga Gomez A 10-show weekly, comedy series featuring the best gay and gay-friendly comics on earth. Hosted by Marga Gomez. Cast includes: Marga Gomez, Rene Hicks, Tom Ammiano, Nick Leonard, Dana Corey and more. February 26-April 29, 2008 - Tuesdays 9pm Harvey’s, 500 Castro St., San Francisco, California No wheelie access FREE

QComedy - Sunday Night Gay Comedy Produced by QComedy 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month - 8pm - ongoing series Jon Sims Center, 1519 Mission St., San Francisco, California Wheelchair accessible $8-$15 sliding scale Information: 415-541-5610 To perform, contact: Nick Leonard nick@nickleonard.net