The following is a press release from Robert Matson
(Posted 6-14-02)

NEW GAY COMEDY IN OKC

Queer things will begin Friday, June 14th in downtown Oklahoma City at the new IAO Gallery. Robert Matson, writer of Drama Queens and Playground, 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, "who turn gay pride day into a different kind of celebration."

Johnny Xavier has the house all decorated and ready for the "gay" holidays but something queer happens 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 an unexpected surprise for the whole family plus a visit from God too.

Beverly Milford heads the cast as the exuberant and pride-ful mother, Johnny Xavier with Rudy Cooper as Zeke, her Scrooge-like husband who only wants to be left alone for the gay holidays and Bert Ballou as Pepper, the oldest son who only has eyes for himself and a full-length mirror.

Deanna Gallavan will play Lily, the lost little lesbian daughter and Jake DeTommaso as Blaine, the meek and mild baby of the family.

John Beebe dons the wings and wand as Uncle Berry, the condom fairy with Brett Young as Miss Pissy, the world's most untalented drag queen with the worst kind of bad luck and Elizabeth Brooks as Yvonne, the clumsy co-worker who has a quirky fascination with gay pride day.

Rounding out the cast is Brenda S. Williams as Vera, the lady who's been abducted from the retirement home to celebrate the holidays; David Mays, as Pepper's unloved boyfriend, Miller and Shane Schnetzler as Elvis, the young reporter who came by Greyhound.

Before the Parade Passes By will play at the new IAO Gallery building located at 811 N. Broadway 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 7 p.m. Sunday performance on June 16th. Tickets will be $7 at the door but $5 if you're showing your gay pride colors.

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

The play does contain adult language and is very gay.