Trustus Theatre to Present STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS in January

Trustus Theatre will start the new year in the Richard and Debbie Cohn Trustus Side Door Theatre on January 3rd at 8:00pm with a collection of topical plays by some of America's most acclaimed playwrights: Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays. With marriage laws changing in South Carolina, this production will stand as a powerfully relevant piece in the intimate 50-seat theatre. Trustus will hold a talk-back following the performance on January 11th, 2015. Patrons are encouraged to make their reservations early at www.trustus.org.

Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays brings together a collection of plays penned by an A-list lineup of writers. These scripts offer unique takes on the moments before, during, and after "I do." Witty, warm, and occasionally wacky, these plays are testaments to the blessings of equality, the universal challenges of relationships, and the often hilarious power of love. This evening of intimate and topical exploration conceived by Brian Shnipper features scripts by acclaimed playwrights Mo Gaffney, Jordan Harrison, Moisés Kaufman, Neil LaBute, Wendy MacLeod, José Rivera, Paul Rudnick, and Doug Wright.

Director and Trustus Company Member Elena Martínez-Vidal hopes that this production will be a chance to entertain and enlighten at the same time. "Politics is referred to directly only once but, through humor and drama, the reality of being denied the legal rights of marriage are addressed," said Martínez-Vidal. "Audiences will be reminded of all the viewpoints around this issue, sometimes gently, sometimes not so gently. The show encompasses positions both for and against same sex marriage, so the audience will get to hear all the arguments. Also, some of the pieces highlight the absolute sameness that 'gay' marriage has with 'straight' marriage." She adds, "Someday I hope we just say marriage."

Martínez-Vidal directs a talented cast of Trustus Company Members and introduces audiences to some new faces. Trustus patrons will already be familiar with Chip Stubbs (Ragtime), Terrance Henderson (The Black Man...Complex), Jennifer Moody Sanchez (The Other Place), and Ellen Rodillo-Fowler (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike). Mark Ingham returns to the stage after a hiatus, and Zsuzsa Manna boasts a fresh theatrical voice that Martínez-Vidal is excited to introduce to audiences.

In light of new marriage laws in South Carolina, director Elena Martínez-Vidal is hopeful for the future. "It's really thrilling to me to know that soon everyone will be able to marry the person they love," she said. "And, of course, then all the issues that any marriages have will be experienced by everyone, including the reality of divorce. Like Civil Rights, I am sure it will take many more years for it to be accepted by everyone. We haven't even finished with women's rights by passing ERA! Maybe that's a play to be written soon?"

Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays opens in The Richard and Debbie Cohn Trustus Side Door Theatre on Saturday January 3rd, runs Sunday January 4th and then Tuesday January 6th through Sunday January 11th, 2015. A talk-back will follow the closing matinee on January 11th, 2015. The doors and box office open thirty minutes prior to curtain, and all Trustus Side Door tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students. Reservations can be made by calling the Trustus Box Office at (803) 254-9732, and tickets may be purchased online at www.trustus.org.

The Richard and Debbie Cohn Trustus Side Door Theatre is an intimate 50-seat house located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady Street and on Pulaski Street. The Trustus Side Door Theatre entrance is through the glass doors on the Huger St. side of the building.

For more information or reservations call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

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