STONEWALL

BENCHMARK THEATRE: June 9 – July 1

 

 “Stonewall,” is a “devised” work, written by Neil Truglio. 

      Mr. Truglio, who with Abner Genece and Candace Joice two seasons ago helmed the creation of another “devised work” titled ELEPHANT (Marlowe Award for Best New Play), is a force to be reckoned with.

     Truglio also directs and designs this production, delivering a powerful memory play honoring the individuals who took a stand against police, politicians and the mob in the Christopher Street riots. Their demand for freedom, dignity and PRIDE, began our nation’s journey to where the LGBTQ community is today with regard to equal rights. 

      Stonewall is a powerful play with a cast larger than any to have ever graced the stage of this intimate venue.

   Anchoring the piece are performances by two veteran actors portraying gay and lesbian characters who experienced the tumult leading up to the riots at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in 1969, as well as one character who was involved with the police and politicians.

      Dan O’Neill (Martin Boyce), Barbara Porreca (Martha Shelley) and Verl Hite (Seymour Pine) break the fourth wall, speaking directly to us as audience as the historical drama unfolds behind them. 

   The police raid on the Stonewall Inn involving abusive treatment of customers and bartenders alike led to six days of violence and protests in the Village.

     The huge cast is comprised of many new faces that one hopes will appear soon again on stages across Denver.    

     Due to the time constraints of such a work, we are given only fleeting glimpses of all these courageous men and women. It would take an epic work to explore them in such a way as to truly give them their due.

     It is to be noted that due to content and language, no children under the age of 12 are admitted.

     The producers also caution parents in this regard that police brutality and harassment, as well as homophobic and transphobic slurs, hate crimes and murders are referenced as well.

     This is a true story that started the nationwide struggle for LGBTQ rights. It is perfect timing for Benchmark to produce this show during Pride Month.

    If you are a lover of serious docudrama, go see this powerful production!

 

For tickets go online at benchmarktheatre.com