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Home / uncategorized / 'Moonlight' Screenwriter Brings a New Play to Washington D.C.
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'Moonlight' Screenwriter Brings a New Play to Washington D.C.

Although the entire month of June is Pride, Washington D.C. will kick off a full throttle WorldPride event this weekend. Those wanting to take in a…

RRyan LeedsJune 4, 20251 min readShare on XShare on FacebookShare by email
Nic Ashe (Free) and Kyle Beltran (Wallace Tre) Photo by T Charles Erickson Photography

Although the entire month of June is Pride, Washington D.C. will kick off a full throttle WorldPride event this weekend.  Those wanting to take in a bit of culture should head to Arena Stage, home to a new play from Oscar winning screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney, the scribe behind 2016's Moonlight. 

The show is described on the theater's website:

W. Tre and Free met in a dark park searching for fun not expecting to find love, light, and each other. Now a milestone anniversary has got them wondering if they have met Mr. Right or a long one-night stand with a lovely Mr. Maybe? With a little support and a lot of confusion from family, friends, and a stranger in the dark, the question remains: will W. Tre and Free find their way together or will they let fear, and a secret lead them asunder?

Nic Ashe (Free) Photo by T Charles Erickson Photography

Adding to the event is the chance for couples to exchange their own marriage vows right on stage at select performances.

The play has been running since May 16 and has already garnered critical praise:

"McCraney’s wise and witty take on modern gay romance"- MetroWeekly 

"McRaney's latest work is an attempt at a love letter to the miraculous, yet ever-threatened, reality of same-sex marriage in America." - Morris Theatre DC.

" McCraney's queer love story feels like a feast, an affirmation, a revival, and a welcoming home of prodigal sons and daughters." - DC Theater Arts

"There are scenes where the play hits its stride, including a hilarious birthday meal with Free’s grandparents. Although it’s a bit of an emotional cheat, only the coldest of hearts won’t be touched by the finale when the company invites real queer couples to make or renew their wedding vows on stage under a canopy of light."- Maryland Theater Guide

We Are Gathered runs through June 15 at Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. For tickets and information, visit www.arenastage.org.

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About Ryan Leeds

is a freelance writer living in the Hell's Kitchen section of New York City. A proud native of Central Pennsylvania, he holds a degree in Communications from Penn State University. He attends theater frequently and annoys his friends and colleagues by chattering incessantly about his passion for it.

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