Play explores gay marriage battle in California

9/12/2013
BLADE STAFF
  • Same-Sex-Marriage

    Supporting and opposing views converge during a demonstration on the issue of Proposition 8 in San Francisco on March 5, 2009, as California Supreme Court justices heard arguments on lawsuits seeking to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex nuptials. Gay rights advocates urged the court to overturn Proposition 8 on the grounds it was put before voters improperly, or at least prematurely.

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    • Supporting and opposing views converge during a demonstration on the issue of Proposition 8 in San Francisco on March 5, 2009, as California Supreme Court justices heard arguments on lawsuits seeking to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex nuptials. Gay rights advocates urged the court to overturn Proposition 8 on the grounds it was put before voters improperly, or at least prematurely.
    Supporting and opposing views converge during a demonstration on the issue of Proposition 8 in San Francisco on March 5, 2009, as California Supreme Court justices heard arguments on lawsuits seeking to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex nuptials. Gay rights advocates urged the court to overturn Proposition 8 on the grounds it was put before voters improperly, or at least prematurely.

    FREMONT — Current history comes alive this weekend with the Fremont Community Theatre’s presentation of a two-night reading of the play 8, which looks at the historical trial that challenged California’s anti-gay marriage legislation.

    Playwright Dustin Lance Black.
    Playwright Dustin Lance Black.

    The play written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and American Foundation for Equal Rights founding board member Dustin Lance Black digs into the federal district court trial that overturned Proposition 8, the legislation which prohibited gay and lesbian Californians from marrying.

    The performances will feature actors from Fremont, Gibsonburg, Toledo, Tiffin, Huron, Clyde, Bellevue, Sandusky, Rossford, and Findlay. It also will include a 20-minute conversation after each performance with the cast and audience.

    “The goal of 8 is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right. The facts are on our side and truth always finds light,” Black said in a news release.

    The story for 8 is framed by the trial’s historic closing arguments in 2010 and features commentary from both sides of the issue. Proposition 8 was ruled unconstitutional in 2010 and that ruling was affirmed by appeals courts.

    “8” will be performed Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The ticket price is a suggested donation of $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the Fremont Community Theatre Web site, www.fremontcommunitytheatre.org. Information: 419-332-0695. The theater is at 1551 Dickinson St., Fremont.

    On Broadway

    The Toledo Repertoire Theatre spoofs Broadway to open its season this weekend with Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits!, a satirical musical revue, created and written by Gerard Alessandrini and directed by Debra Ross Calabrese

    The satirical production pokes fun at musicals, including Les Miserables, Chicago, Wicked, Mamma Mia, Rent, Spamalot, Annie, and others. It’s a family-friendly way for the Toledo company to kick off its 81st season and will run this weekend and next.

    “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits!” will be presented Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. It also will be produced Sept. 19, 20, and 21 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $4.75 to $19.75. The theater is at 16 10th St. Information: www.toledorep.org or 419-243-9277.