*8* (Benefit Show 2014)

by Dustin Lance Blackdirected by Bryan McVeigh

SYNOPSIS
*8*—a new play by Academy-award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar)—demystifies the debate around marriage equality by chronicling the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Learn about the historical context of marriage from expert testimony. See the human cost of discrimination. Uncover the arguments used to justify bans on marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Using the actual court transcripts from the landmark federal trial of California's Prop. 8 and first-hand interviews, *8* shows both sides of the debate in a moving 90-minute play.

PERFORMANCES
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm
January 17, 18, 24, 25

TICKETS
Seating for our benefit show is general admission, and payment is by donation payable at the door by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover accepted). The box office opens at 7:30 and we encourage you to arrive early to get the best seats. Seats will be available on a walk-in basis or you may make a reservation by calling 610-363-7075 to ensure you'll get a seat. If you have reserved seats we ask that you arrive no later than 7:50 PM. After that time any unclaimed seats may be offered to our walk-in patrons. We appreciate your understanding so that we may maximize both our audience and our donations for this limited-run production.

BENEFIT RECIPIENTS
All profits from this year's benefit show will go to two organizations. 
*The SPOT is a group for LGBTQA youth in Chester County, whose mission is to provide an environment where they can feel accepted and empowered and where sexual and gender identity can be embraced without fear of violence, harassment, or judgment. The group promotes understanding and respect for all through education, support, advocacy, creative expression, and friendship. The SPOT incorporates a mix of educational programs such as safer sex, coming out, marriage equality, and relationships with recreational activities like feature films, game nights, fun with food, video game competitions, as well as guest speakers and field trips. All activities take place in a safe, comfortable space designed by LGBTQA youth. For more information visit http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppsp/spot-29386.htm. 
*Broadway Impact is a grassroots organization of theater artists and fans mobilized in support of marriage equality. They believe in equal rights for all, whether you're gay, straight, or somewhere in between, and that you should be able to marry the person you love. Out of that mission came this play, so that theaters and colleges from coast-to-coast could inspire audiences with the story of one of the most important civil rights cases of our time. For more information visit http://www.broadwayimpact.com/.

CAST A (performs January 17 and 18)
CAST B (performs January 24 and 25)
Abigail Morgan: Herek (A); Tam (B)
Adam Shoffner: Cooper (A); Jeff (B)
Cindy Schneider: Boies (A); Kris (B)
Dan Porto: Ryan (A); Paul (B)
Deb Collins: Segura (A); Maggie (B)
Doug Schultz: Ryan (B)
Gina Reed: Meyer (A); Journalist (B)
Jeanette Donahue: Sandy (A); Herek B)
Jenna Krier: Journalist (A); Segura (B)
Joey Curran: Cott (A)
John Lawrence:Paul (A); Evan (B)
Joyce Schiavo: Maggie (A)
Karen Lammey: Olson (A); Boies (B)
Kelsey Young: Elliott (1/17 and 1/25); Spencer (1/24)
Kevin Binder: Blankenhorn (A); Judge (B)
Kyle Palaskey: Jeff (A)
Laney Pleasanton: Spencer (1/18 and 1/25); Elliott (1/24)
Marsha Amato-Greenspan: Judge (A); Olson (B)
Michele Bolay: Kris (A); Sandy (B)
Rachel Emerson: Tam (A); Meyer (B)
Scott Yannick: Blankenhorn (B)
Susan Tucker: Cott (B)
Victor Utz: Evan (A); Cooper (B)
Zack Walker: Spencer (1/17); Elliott (1/18)

STAFF
Director: Bryan McVeigh
Producer: Karen Jacob Barnett
Consulting Director: Katie Farnum