Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
presents It Gets Better
Written and directed by Liesel Reinhart
7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 7
Eisenhower Auditorium
The web-based It Gets Better Project shows young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people the levels of happiness and potential their lives can reach if they just get through their challenging teen years. In a new collaboration among the project, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, and Speak Theater Arts, It Gets Better becomes a nationally touring theatrical production. It Gets Better is upbeat, exciting, and funny with a narrative that includes moments of pain and pathos. The work develops from members of the chorus working with local performers, citizens, and community organizations. Together they build a performance, woven with local participants and content, responding to the issue of bullying. They imagine what “better” means for LGBT and other young people through stories, songs, and multimedia. With its unqualified support for all young people, It Gets Better creates and unites allies in solidarity against bullying and teen violence.
The content of the show is not suitable for young children. The material is rated PG-13 and includes strong language.
sponsors
Sandra Zaremba and Richard Brown
| Adult | $15 |
| University Park Student | $10 |
| 18 and Younger | $15 |
Piano Lounge Sing-Along
8 p.m. Friday, February 8
Atherton Hall
Grandfather Clock Lounge
Join members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles for a two-hour sing-along. Live piano with plenty of musical theatre sheet music will be on hand. Have a specific song in mind? Bring your own sheet music. No singing experience necessary. Just come and lend your voice. Light refreshments provided.
The It Gets Better Project Journey
Noon Tuesday, February 5
Innovation Park coolBlue Community
Outreach Building Lobby
100 Innovation Boulevard
It Gets Better cast members share songs and stories and offer personal reflections about the mission of the project. Company members conduct a multimedia journey through a brief-but-powerful history of the It Gets Better Project and offer a detailed discussion of the development of the live stage work. The artists share their personal stories, reflect on the mission of It Gets Better, and recall stories from being on the tour. Cast members address the controversy about the It Gets Better Project and challenge attendees to reflect on the next steps in the journey to create a safe, supportive climate for all young people. The 50-minte session includes a question-and-answer component. Feel free to bring a bag lunch.
- Program Notes
- Become a Member
Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring It Gets Better writer and director Liesel Reinhart, is offered in Eisenhower Auditorium one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints regularly fills to capacity, so seating is available on a first-arrival basis.
