The Rainbow Theatre Project to Stage MR. FANTASTIC and BEAUTIFUL THING Readings

The Rainbow Theatre Project's Generation Q Staged Reading Series continues with a presentation of two works by British playwrights, beginning with the short play MR. FANTASTIC, by Kevin Jones (Wales), followed by the award-winning BEAUTIFUL THING by Jonathan Harvey (England). Both readings take place Monday, March 14, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at Source in the District.

First written and produced in 1993, BEAUTIFUL THING is considered a groundbreaking work that was presented at a time when England was dealing with some very deep prejudices and harsh prejudicial laws with regard to homosexuality. In the play, two working class teenagers from London begin a relationship first as neighbors, then friends, and finally lovers. The struggle for a relationship to succeed is difficult under the best of situations, but then the boys' families and friends make their thoughts - both pro and con - known, raising the stakes for everyone. But at its core, Harvey says the play is less about the struggle and more "about first love and coming of age, as well as coming out." (The Guardian, 2013)

Artistic Director H. Lee Gable agrees with Harvey, saying "I came to know BEAUTIFUL THING by seeing the film based on the play. It's a very romantic story of first love, in this case between two teenage boys that I wished I had when I was a teenager instead of desperately hiding all my feeling in the closet until I got the courage to come out in my early twenties. Luckily for younger members of the LGBTQ community, this is the kind of love story we see more often today than when it was written or when I was younger."

Jeanette Buck makes her RTP directing debut with BEAUTIFUL THING. A DC-based director, filmmaker and stage manager, she has also taught directing and screenwriting in the MFA film program at Ohio University, and is the director of several short films and the feature Out of Season. Her one-woman show, There Are No Strangers, premiered at Theater J.

McLean High School senior Jack Posey makes his professional debut alongside Jaysen Wright (Theater J, 1st Stage) as young lovers Jamie and Ste. Rounding out the cast are Vanessa Bradchulis (Theater J, Constellation Theatre), Anna Phillips Brown (Theatre Lab, Keegan Theatre) and Ryan Carlo Dalusung (Spooky Action Theater, Adventure Theatre MTC), all of whom are making their RTP debuts. Gregory Atkin joins the group as the Narrator.

RTP mainstay Christopher Janson returns to direct Jones' MR. FANTASTIC, the story of Jeanna and Harry, a married couple approaching their twilight years. Jeanna believes she knows everything about her husband, but is surprised to find silver platform shoes in a parcel delivered to their home. Is there another side to Harry she has never realized?

BEAUTIFUL THING and MR. FANTASTIC will be held at Source, located at 1835 14th Street, NW in Washington, D.C. The venue is approximately 2 blocks from the U Street/Cardozo Metro Station. Street Parking is also available. Seating is general admission for both events and doors open at 7:00 p.m. Concessions will also be available for purchase onsite.

Tickets for Generation Q staged readings are just $15 and may also be purchased in advance through the company's website www.rainbowtheatreproject.org/tickets.html or at the door on the evening of the performance. Cash or credit cards will be accepted for tickets purchased at the door.

The Rainbow Theatre Project is committed to being the premier theatre for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community in the Nation's Capital by presenting plays and musicals that reflect the unique experiences, interests and history of the LGBTQ community.

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