Blue Spruce Supports LGBTQ Equality With November Production of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

Blue Spruce Theatre announces a strong new interpretation of its mission statement with a focus on rights for all, especially those who are marginalized. According to Jesse Strachman, the Producing Artistic Director, a concurrence of events has made it clear to the group that the time has come for them to take a stand, here and now, for what they believe in. This has prompted Blue Spruce to "come out" for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) Equality. Not surprisingly, they plan to do so by using their voice: the voice of the theatre.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch uses rock music and monologues to tell the captivating story of German immigrant Hedwig (nee Hansel), a male-to-female transgender punk rock star who finds love and loss in the U.S. Audiences the world over have connected with this iconic character and her search for acceptance in a world that refuses to let people celebrate who they truly are.

"This choice was not an accident," says Strachman of the decision to produce the punk-rock musical this season. "I wanted to tell stories of connection: of how we connect and fail to connect as men, as women, and as those who don't conform to either of those norms. To honor our beliefs, this season is being dedicated to GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders), who are working tirelessly to build awareness about the issues surrounding transgender and genderqueer rights."

In this important year for gay and lesbian marriage rights, there is a growing concern that the fight for transgender rights is being marginalized due to the increased exposure and successes of the gay rights movement. Many fear that the movement runs the risk of gaining ground, but leaving some behind. Blue Spruce Theatre, while not dedicated to any particular cause or group, believes that supporting and celebrating equality is an essential way to help people connect with each other. In the future, they plan to show their support for certain groups and causes; therefore, this bold clarification of their mission is an important step for the ambitious new theater company.

The Blue Spruce production team for Hedwig has been overwhelmingly supportive of this "coming out." Graphic artist Kristin Boucher said, "I think it's wonderful that Blue Spruce Theatre is aligning itself with GLBT rights. As the daughter of a lesbian, gay rights are of great importance to me. I'm overjoyed that you're standing up for the cause." Danny Bryck, the Boston-area actor who will be playing the title role in the upcoming production, adds, "I am very proud to be working with Blue Spruce Theatre this season, and to be a part of a theatre community that acts on its beliefs. Therefore, I would like to join in Blue Spruce Theatre's dedication of their season by personally dedicating my performance to GLAD, and to every person who fights a daily battle just to be themselves and live their lives with dignity and without fear."

Blue Spruce Theatre invites you to join them at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in November for the telling of this dramatic story, and thanks you as always for your support.

For more information about Blue Spruce Theatre, visit them online at
http://www.bluesprucetheatre.org or email them at info@bluesprucetheatre.org

For more information about GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders), visit
www.glad.org

 

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