McCormack Joins Messing In STANDING ON CEREMONY Benefit Reading 9/12, Additional Casting Announced

Brian Shnipper and Attic Theatre will present STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS, a benefit reading for the Human Rights Campaign on September 12.

This one night only benefit features readings of 12 new and world premiere short plays written by some of the countries most celebrated theatre artists, inspired by and in reaction to Proposition 8, featuring acclaimed stars of stage, film and screen.

Eric McCormack will perform alongside his "Will & Grace" co-star Debra Messing during the event. Also newly announced are Timothy Olyphant, Dan Futterman, Zachary Quinto and Robert Gant. Those individuals will join Jason Alexander, Jillian Armenante, Alison Arngrim, Lisa Edelstein, Clark Gregg, Dan Lauria, Hamish Linklater and Peter Paige. Miss Coco Peru will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.

"When I watched Proposition 8 pass in California, I knew it was imperative for us as theatre artists to collectively respond and add our voices to the argument," Director Shnipper stated in press notes.

Shnipper then made contact with several American Playwrights, asking them to create short plays addressing the issue of gay marriage in America and/or California's Proposition 8. "What we got back," Shnipper adds, "were 12 amazing plays including a wide range of styles and approaches, from tender stories to hilarious, campy romps."

STANDING ON CEREMONY will feature plays written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Constance Congdon, Marcus Gardley, JorDan Harrison, Jeffrey Hatcher, Albert Innaurato, Christopher Kyle, Wendy MacLeod, Terrence McNally, Susan Miller, Kira Obolensky and Jose Rivera.

Tickets are priced $80 - $60, with a food and wine "wedding reception" to follow after the reading.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.elportaltheatre.com.