The following is a press release from Robert Matson
(Posted 4-27-02)

Something queer's coming this gay pride day to Oklahoma City!  Robert Matson, writer of Drama Queens and Playground along with Terry's Computer Service present a staged performance reading of Before the Parade Passes By from June 14th through June 22nd. "It's a different kind of comedy about a different kind of family," says writer Robert Matson, "that celebrates gay pride day as a different kind of holiday."

Johnny Xavier, a proud mother of three gay children, has the house all decorated and festive for the "gay holidays" but queer things start to happen before the pride parade passes her by: a family member's strange coming out, a drag queen's legendary demise, a condom fairy's crushed wings and a mother's dreams are shattered along with an unexpected surprise for the whole family.

This will be Robert Matson's third play to be staged at IAO (Individual Artists of Oklahoma) Gallery in Oklahoma City. His first, Playground, was well-received by both critics and audiences and his second, Drama Queens, became such a huge sell-out that it was given an extra run at The Copa and showcased at the short-lived OUTART-Oklahoma's Gay and Lesbian Arts Festival.

"I've been very fortunate to have a supportive following with the gay and OKC theatre community," says Robert, "I love to write plays that have either a gay character or theme to it and I'll go from over the top to almost normal. It's who I am."

Before the Parade Passes By will play at the new IAO Gallery building located at 811 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City on Friday and Saturdays nights at 8 p.m. from June 14th through the 22nd with an 8 p.m. Thursday performance on June 20th and a 7 p.m. Sunday performance on June 16th.  Tickets will be $7 at the door or $5 if you're showing your colors of gay pride.

For more information call Robert at 405-751-0949 or check out the website at members.cox.net/tarsplace or e-mail them at tarsplace@cox.net and prepare to celebrate gay pride in a very different way.  For IAO information call the gallery at 232-6060.

The play does contain adult language and is very gay.