The play contains powerful moments. Equally powerful were the real people portrayed in the play. They gathered onstage after “Just Outside Redemption” at the City Theatre opening to acknowledge that what happened in the legislative drama was, for the most part, nonfiction.
Glen Maxey and Dianne Hardy-Garcia
Writer Dennis Bailey has a history with this material: The fight for a hate crimes bill in the Texas legislature, based on his book with David Mixner. It chronicles the trials and travails of Dianne Hardy-Garcia, who insisted that sexual minorities be included.
Beth Broderick and Suzanne Balling
The crowd on opening night, backers of the LGRL, gave the play from Theatre en Bloc a suitably partisan welcome. They laughed and sighed knowningly. Actors such as Beth Broderick (comedy) and Scott Teeters (drama) gave the performances a necessary range, while Suzanne Ballard bravely played the brave heroine, who happened to be in the audience.
Dennis Bailey and Elliott Naishtat
Just seeing them all together in the lobby for the after-party gave me a swell idea for a column. We’ll see if it works out. The play runs through the end of the month.