Before Harvey Milk, there was Harry Hay

Keg parties have long provided collegians with hours and hours (and gallons and gallons) of frothy amusement. But they have rarely been noticed for their political efficacy. Yet, Harry Hay, who founded the first lasting gay organization, came up with the idea for the group at a 1948 USC "beer bust." Once the hangover had dissipated, Hay began the International Bachelors Fraternal Orders for Peace and Social Dignity, which later evolved into the Mattachine Society. Jon Marans's play, The Temperamentals, directed by Jonathan Silverstein, raises a pint glass to love and struggle in pre-Stonewall America. It stars Thomas Jay Ryan as Harry Hay and Michael Urie as his colleague, fashion designer Rudi Gernreich.
Thu., April 30, 8 p.m.; Mondays, Fridays-Sundays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m. Starts: April 30. Continues through May 18, 2009
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