Van Hansis and Stephen Guarino Join Indie Web Series EASTSIDERS, Premiering Today

"As the World Turns" star Van Hansis and "Happy Endings" star Stephen Guarino have joined the cast of the new web series "EastSiders," which is scheduled to premiere today, Dec. 14th.

Hansis, who was nominated for three Daytime Emmies for his portrayal of Luke Snyder, plays one half of the gay couple at the center of the show, opposite series creator Kit Williamson. Guarino, whose other work includes three seasons of "The Big Gay Sketch Show," "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Bear City," guest stars as an eccentric party promoter in episode two.

Cal's quirky best friend is played by indie film actress Constance Wu, whose work includes the Sundance film "Sound of My Voice." Kathy's boyfriend Ian is played by veteran stage actor John Halbach, whose work includes "Tartuffe" on Broadway and the cult hit "Children at Play," featured in The Advocate as one of their top ten gay plays. Matthew McKelligon rounds out the cast as Jeremy, whose work includes "She's Living for This" and the upcoming James Franco film "Interior. Leather Bar," which is slated to premiere at Sundance.

Written and directed by award winning playwright Kit Williamson, "EastSiders" explores the aftermath of infidelity on a gay couple in Silverlake, CA. When Cal (Kit Williamson) finds out Thom (Van Hansis) has been cheating on him with Jeremy (Matthew McKelligon), their relationship is turned upside down. Will the lies tear them apart or are they just stubborn enough to stay together forever? Drunken outbursts and double standards abound in this dark comedy about the sad and funny messes we make out of our lives.

Kit Williamson, the writer/director/star of the series, began his career on Broadway, acting in the Tony-Nominated revival of "Talk Radio." Most recently, he appeared in the indie film "Best Friends Forever." As a playwright, he was awarded the Playwrights First Award by The National Arts Club.

"I wanted to create gay characters with the same complexity and flaws straight characters are allotted," Williamson says. "The way gay couples are depicted is often frustrating to me. There's a huge spectrum of lifestyles and experiences within the gay community and I wanted to explore a kind of relationship that isn't often represented. We are so profoundly grateful to have assembled a cast of this caliber, because this kind of story really hinges on the acting."

"EastSiders: The Series" launches Episode 1 today, December 14th at www.EastSidersTheSeries.com. Follow the show on twitter at @EastSidersTV and "Like" the show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EastSidersTheSeries.

To post a comment, you must register and login.