New play about Proposition 8 to get on Broadway

[July 19, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A new play about the battle over same-sex marriage in California by the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Milk" is slated for a one-night-only reading on Broadway.

Dustin Lance Black's play "8" about Proposition 8 will be performed for a fundraiser at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Sept. 19. Casting will be announced later.

Proposition 8 is the measure approved by California voters in 2008 that bans gay marriage in the state. A federal judge struck the law down last year. That ruling is being appealed.

The play, which is based on the trial transcript and interviews, will be directed by Tony Award-winning actor and director Joe Mantello.

Black won the Oscar for his biopic of gay-rights pioneer Harvey Milk.

[Associated Press]

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