Theater News

Gavin Creel, Rachel de Benedet, Jamie LaVerdiere, Roscoe Orman Set for 8 Event at Montclair State University

Rachel de Benedet
(© Tristan Fuge)
Rachel de Benedet
(© Tristan Fuge)

Academy Award-winning Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black’s play 8 will receive a one-night-only staged reading at Montclair State University in New Jersey on Saturday, March 24, at 7:30pm.

The play is based on the federal court trial contesting the Proposition 8 voter ban in 2008 on same sex marriage in California, and incorporates excerpts from the trial transcript, first-hand observations of the courtroom proceedings, and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.

The cast will include Roscoe Orman as Ted Olson, co-counsel for the four plaintiffs; Jamie LaVerdiere as David Boies, co-counsel for the plaintiffs; and Rachel de Benedet as plaintiff Kris Perry. Additional casting is to be announced.

In addition, two-time Tony nominee Gavin Creel will moderate a question-and-answer panel discussion after the performance with Jeff Zarrillo, one of the four plaintiffs in the Proposition 8 trial and a Montclair State graduate.

The staging of 8 is presented in conjunction with the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, which are licensing 8 to colleges and community theatres nationwide.

8 was recently seen in a star-studded reading in Los Angeles featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, and many more.

Click here for more information and 8 tickets.