What My Gay Childhood in a ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Landscape Was Really Like — “As a child, I desperately needed language, stories and role models to help me to understand and celebrate myself,” writes company member Elizabeth Morton. “We needed for society at large (our shared culture and communities) to show us that the gay part of me was as normal and natural and beautiful as my brown eyes. Visibility matters. Conversations matter.”
Pulitzer prize finalist and Obie Award-winning playwright, Rajiv Joseph; and Emmy-nominated television writer, producer and playwright, Diana Son, join The Actors Center’s Resident Company for artist talks this spring, hosted by company co-artistic director, Angel Desai.
Company member, Ken Marks, currently appears in the new Broadway production of Take Me Out, in which playwright Richard Greenberg celebrates the personal and professional intricacies of America’s favorite pastime. When Darren Lemming (Jesse Williams), the star center fielder for the Empires, comes out of the closet, he is forced to contend with the challenges of being a gay person of color within the confines of a classic American institution. Presented by Second Stage, the production is directed by Scott Ellis.
Company member, Austin Durant, plays Harold Zidler in the National Tour production of Moulin Rouge. The tour recently began performances in Chicago with dates ahead in Minneapolis and Denver, followed by a long sit down in L.A. this summer. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in the musical mash-up extravaganza, directed by Alex Timbers with a book by John Logan. The original Broadway production won 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Watch Austin speak about taking on the role of Harold Zidler here.
Company Member, Nikkole Salter, co-writes the book alongside composer and lyricist Nolan Williams Jr. for the new musical Grace—now playing at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Grace examines the history of Black culinary tradition and the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses as it follows a day in the life of the Minton family. Grace is an electrifying musical celebrating the perseverance of family and the power of traditions.
Company member, Vivienne Benesch, makes her Broadway directorial debut with Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle. The play Birthday Candles follows Ernestine (Debra Messing) through five generations, dozens of goldfish, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a 100-year period, examining her life and place in the universe. Now in previews, the play opens April 10th and will run through May 29th at Roundabout Theatre Company. Read an interview with Vivienne about the production.
Company member, Mahira Kakkar, performs in Waterwell’s production of 7 Minutes by Stefano Massini. Based on actual events, the play depicts an urgent meeting of 11 women and gender non-conforming folx elected to the union council of their rural Connecticut textile factory. Directed by Mei Ann Teo and produced in association with the Working Theater, the production runs through April 10 at HERE Arts Center.
Maulik Pancholy joins the ensemble cast of JC Lee’s To My Girls, making its world premiere at Second Stage. The play follows a close group of gay men on a post-pandemic getaway, offering the perfect chance to reunite, reclaim their time, and replace the gloom with some gossip. But as soon as the drinks start pouring, truths start spilling, and this chosen family quickly realizes the world has changed. Listen to the cast speak about the show.