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STAGE CREDITS

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1979
Oscar Jaffee


[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1974
Michael

[West End]
London Revival, 1976
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1974
Michael

[West End]
London Revival, 1976
Performer

News


Stephanie Styles and More Will Lead Reading of New Play SPARKLER
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2025

Sparkler, a new play by Erik Champney (Dead Brains), will receive an industry reading, directed by Ryan Dobrin (The Last Five Years). Learn more about the upcoming reading here!
Review: THE CODE, Southwark Playhouse Elephant
by Louise Penn - Sep 18, 2025

Michael McKeever's play mixes fact, gossip, and invention in a spicy drama that offers a biting comment on the grime behind the glitter of Hollywood. John Partridge is superb as Billy Haines, both a smooth charmer and a crumpled defeatist.The Code is a very artificial play in many ways. It gleefully regurgitates snark and gossip and treads a line where folks have to 'put on a show' within a show.
Feature: THE WAITING PERIOD at The Marsh Berkeley Reaches Its 500th Performance
by Jim Munson - Sep 12, 2025

BroadwayWorld talks to Brian Copeland about 'The Waiting Period,' his searingly honest and surprisingly humorous life-saving solo show which will have its 500th performance September 20th at The Marsh Berkeley, coincidingBrian Copeland could easily point to any number of impressive achievements from his multi-faceted career. As a standup comic, he’s opened for icons like Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson. His seminal theater piece Not a Genuine Black Man still reigns as the longest-running solo show in San Francisco theater history. For 5 years, he co-hosted KTVUs Mornings on 2, and for 27 years hosted his own radio program on KGO. Related to the latter, he will be inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame next month, something of which he is particularly proud. But – if you ask him “What is the most worthwhile thing you’ve ever done?” he answers without hesitation, “The Waiting Period,” because it has actually saved people’s lives. I spoke with him recently to learn more about this uniquely impactful solo theater piece, which will mark its 500th performance on September 20th at The Marsh Berkeley. As has become standard practice for The Waiting Period, tickets are free of charge. Based on his personal experience, the piece is an exploration of depression and suicidal ideation, its title referring to the state-mandated 10 ten days that must elapse between purchasing a gun and taking possession of it. For Copeland, those ten days were literally a lifesaver, and so he felt compelled to share his story. Although he’d long struggled with depression, back in 2008 he was faced with an unimaginable chain of events that was more than he could handle. Within a short time, the grandmother who’d raised him died of a stroke, his wife announced out of the blue that she wanted a divorce, and he got into a horrific accident that totaled his car and necessitated spinal cord surgery, putting on his couch in a neck brace for three months, popping Vicodin. Thoughts of suicide became inescapable so he purchased a TomCat, planning to use it to end his life. Against all odds, he managed to “white-knuckle it” through the waiting period while the most acute aspects of his depression lifted just enough to stop him from killing himself. But, as Copeland says, “The thing about depression is it’s never cured – it’s better, it’s worse, it’s manageable, there are times when it’s absent - but it’s always a hair trigger away from something, from some catastrophe or some chemical imbalance.” Once the fog had lifted at least temporarily, he seriously started rethinking his experience as someone who believes in finding reasons for things. During that period, a young man within Copeland’s circle committed suicide at the age of fifteen and Robin Williams killed himself as well, although the complicating factor of Lewy Body Dementia had not been made public at that time. Copeland took those incidents like a blow to the solar plexus and began to explore what he could personally do to help prevent such tragedies. He was encouraged to bring his own struggles to light by his publicist, who happened to have represented film icon Rock Hudson in 1985 when the actor announced to the world that he had AIDS, thereby removing some of the stigma from that disease. The publicist suggested to Copeland that by going public with his story maybe he could do the same thing for depression and suicidal ideation. Copeland had received his mission. Collaborating with the Bay Area’s guru of solo performance, David Ford, Copeland set out to “create a show about depression that wasn’t depressing,” making sure to include enough reality-based humor to draw audiences in and counterbalance the heaviness of the topic. As he puts it, “the comedy makes the drama much more impactful, and the drama makes the comedy funnier because it’s a release.” The Waiting Period opened at The Marsh in 2012 and became an instant sensation, winning awards and getting extended multiple times. After a year or so, Copeland realized he couldn’t keep performing the show on a regular basis because it required him relive some very dark and harrowing episodes. But he felt he could continue to do the show on an occasional basis, maybe twice a month or so, without seriously endangering his own mental health. He also talked to Stephanie Weisman, artistic director of The Marsh, about making the show free of charge to audiences so that cost wouldn’t be a barrier to attending. Weisman readily agreed to having a GoFundMe campaign was set up to cover basic production costs like theater staffing. Copeland and his publicist then placed calls to various industry contacts and were stunned by the outpouring of support from celebrities like Glenn Close, Ed Asner and Lucie Arnaz, whose lives had been personally touched by depression and suicide. Fast forward to 2025, and Copeland is now embarking on the 500th performance of The Waiting Period on September 20th, timed to coincide with Suicide Prevention Month. Copeland remains committed to continuing to do the show because he knows the profound impact it’s had on the lives of so many people, from the letters he’s received and follow-up conversations he’s had. Just one example: a woman planned to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge one Sunday morning and stopped off at her favorite café enroute to savor one last coffee and pastry before ending her life. She noticed the San Francisco Chronicle “pink” section lying on her table and thumbed through it while finishing her coffee. It happened to contain a brief article about The Waiting Period that noted a performance would be happening that very afternoon. She was intrigued enough to alter her plan - slightly. She decided to flip a coin and if it came up heads, she would proceed straight to the bridge; if it came up tails, she would go see Copeland’s show first. It came up tails, and so she went to see The Waiting Period, the core message of which is “If you’re thinking of doing some kind of harm to yourself, tell someone first.” When the play was over, she remained in her seat crying for another twenty minutes, then called her sister to tell her what she was thinking of doing, and her sister got her help. Or there’s the story of a woman who struggled with depression and her husband always wondered why she couldn’t just lighten up and smell the roses. She basically dragged him to The Waiting Period, and afterwards he said to her, “That’s what you’ve been going through? I had no idea.” And that’s the thing with depression: it is so misunderstood. It’s not something that can be cured by thinking happy thoughts. As Copeland says, “You know, we’re dealing with a disease, and yet people are ashamed of it. There’s such shame and stigma attached to it, and I want people to know they have nothing to be ashamed of, any more than if you had Lou Gehrig’s Disease or muscular dystrophy or cancer. You wouldn’t be ashamed of those afflictions. And the world, society, would be a lot more sympathetic.” As a comedian and talk show host, i.e. someone who earns his living projecting amiability and cheerfulness, Copeland makes a perfect communicator for that message. If someone as seemingly light-hearted as him can suffer from depression, then it can truly happen to anyone. When he started debuted The Waiting Period in 2012, some people were quite surprised to learn that he’d ever wanted to kill himself. And yet, what sticks with him most over the years is the number of people who’ve approached him after a performance and whispered in his ear that they, too, are “one of us,” as Copeland refers to those who experience acute depression. Some of them are people Copeland knows well and are in the public eye, people he says you would never guess struggled with the disease. Toward the conclusion of our conversation, Copeland tells me, “If there’s nothing else at all worthwhile I’ve done while I was here, at least there are a couple of people walking around who might not be here.” I tell him that’s a statement most of us can’t make, myself included, and he responds, “You don’t know that. That’s the thing. I’m fortunate enough that I’m in a position where people are able to reach out and tell me. But you don’t know who you told to have a nice day to, who were planning on doing something and ended up not because of your kindness, you know, in tipping the barista and saying they did a good job one day when they thought they were worthless and were going to do something right after they got off work. There are stories like that, and those stories are real.” (Header photo of Brian Copeland by Joan Marcus) --- The Waiting Period will play its 500th performance 5:00pm, Saturday, September 20 at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. Additional dates are soon to be announced. Thanks to the support of generous donors, general admission tickets are FREE. Supporters may donate $50/$100 for reserved seats, funds which make it possible for others to see the show at no cost. To order free tickets or reserve seats, please visit themarsh.org. with National Suicide Prevention Month.
Conversation With Jonathan Spector and Jessica Hecht, and More Set for The Drama Book Shop Events
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2025

The Drama Book Shop will present, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, author events designed to entertain and enlighten. Learn more and see how to attend.
Drama Book Shop to Present Conversation With Julie Gilbert Author of GIANT LOVE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2025

Drama Book Shop will present a conversation with author Julie Gilbert about her acclaimed book, 'Giant Love,' (Pantheon) the compelling story of the writing of Edna Ferber's celebrated novel 'Giant'. Learn more!
Discover the Story of Edna Ferber's Novel in New Book GIANT LOVE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 18, 2024

Discover the story behind Edna Ferber's novel 'Giant' and its transformation into a classic film in GIANT LOVE, authored by Julie Gilbert. Learn more about the book and see how to purchase.
Video: Chita Rivera Remembers Iconic Disco in STUDIO ONE FOREVER Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 1, 2024

BroadwayWorld is excited to share an exclusive clip from Studio One Forever, Marc Saltarelli’s award-winning documentary about the iconic gay disco in West Hollywood. Watch the clip now!
Chita Rivera's Final Screen Appearance to Stream in October
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 26, 2024

“Studio One Forever,” Marc Saltarelli’s award-winning documentary about the iconic gay disco in West Hollywood, including the Backlot cabaret room, will start streaming on all platforms beginning Tuesday, Oct. 8, same day as the Blu-ray release.
Video: ELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE LOST TAPES Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 22, 2024

The HBO Original documentary Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nanette Burstein debuts Saturday, August 3 on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. An official selection of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, the film had its world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Watch the trailer!
Line Up Set for TheatreWorks' 2024 New Works Festival This August
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 13, 2024

Hundreds of lovers of new theatre will gather this August for an advance look at tomorrow's hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's 21st Annual New Works Festival, running August 9-18. See the full lineup here!
Photos: First look at Evolution Theatre Company's STARMAKER
by Jerri Shafer - May 23, 2024

The story of the relationship between Rock Hudson and his agent, Henry Willson. Together, they conquered Hollywood and then the world. The story explores the repercussions of living a lie, unable to live your true self due to society and homophobia within the entertainment industry, the thin, ugly boundary between love and hate, the cost of unbridled ambition, and the shame of growing older in a society that puts a premium on youth.  It’s the remarkable true story of two men who in their quest to be somebody, lost themselves.
FAT HAM, Billy Porter & More Receive GLAAD Award Nominations
by Michael Major - Jan 17, 2024

GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, has announced the nominees for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, including five Broadway shows, Billy Porter, Reneé Rapp, The Color Purple, High School Musical the Musical the Series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, and more.
SEND ME NO FLOWERS Comes to the Metro Theatre Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2024

Metro Theatre has announced that Send Me No Flowers, directed by Emma Graveson is coming to the Metro Theatre from February 2-24, 2024.
Review: THE RAINMAKER at Laguna Playhouse
by Amanda Callas - Sep 29, 2023

Run, don’t walk, to the Laguna Playhouse’s production of the classic 1954 hit play The Rainmaker. I absolutely love this show. It's impossible to leave the theater after watching The Rainmaker without feeling lifted up by its transcendent joy and restorative optimism. 
ROCK HUDSON: ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWED Documentary to Premiere on HBO
by Michael Major - Jun 8, 2023

ROCK HUDSON: ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWED is an intimate portrait of actor Rock Hudson, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated leading men of the 1950’s and ‘60’s and an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, whose diagnosis and eventual death from AIDS in 1985 shocked the world. Watch the new video trailer now!
Max Celebrates Pride Month in June With Partnerships, Events, and Programming Highlighting LGBTQ+ Voices
by Michael Major - Jun 1, 2023

June will see a design refresh for the spotlight page with an Ultimate Pride celebration, Essential Pride Month Watchlist, and more, promoting both new and iconic content from Max’s deep library of authentic queer storytelling including Trixie Motel, I Am Jazz, Our Flag Means Death, Nate & Jeremiah Home Project, 90 Day Fiancé: Love In Paradise.
Al Hirschfeld Drawings Featured in Heritage Auctions' Illustration Art Signature Auction
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2023

Ten Al Hirschfeld drawings are amongst the works featured in Heritage Auctions’ Illustration Art Signature® Auction on Tuesday, April 25.
ELAINE STRITCH AT LIBERTY to Stream on BroadwayHD in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2023

Elaine Stritch At Liberty, the Tony Award-winner for Best Special Theatrical Event, will be available to stream on BroadwayHD worldwide beginning on March 1, 2023.
Interview: Deborah Robin on Portraying Doris Day in DAY AFTER DAY
by Shari Barrett - Jan 18, 2023

The DAY AFTER DAY musical shares the dramatic personal life story of Doris Day through her music, including many of her hit songs: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, Sentimental Journey, Secret Love, It’s Magic, A Guy is a Guy, and Que Sera Sera. Since her popularity turned Doris Day into America’s Sweetheart in the days before the ever-present internet and cell phones, were you ever as curious as I was as to who the real Doris Day was after the cameras stopped rolling? And what does it take to bring such a beloved and well-known icon to the stage? I decided to speak with Deborah Robin about her devotion to the star and the role to find out.
2023 Dates Added To UK Tour Of Agatha Christie's THE MIRROR CRACK'D
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2022

The UK Tour of Agatha Christie's THE MIRROR CRACK'D has been extended into 2023, with dates added in Cambridge, High Wycombe, Birmingham, Kingston and Aberdeen. The brand new production of Rachel Wagstaff's acclaimed adaptation is directed by Philip Franks. The UK Tour opened on 9 September 2022 and has already received rave reviews.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Rock Hudson been in?

Rock Hudson has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Rock Hudson been in?

Rock Hudson has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Rock Hudson's first West End show?

Rock Hudson's first West End show was I Do! I Do! which opened in

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