The Play

On October 31, 2002, The Brent Varner Project was launched with the opening of the play "And the stars were shining..." All of the proceeds from this first production of "And The Stars Were Shining…" were donated to help launch The Brent Varner Project. The author wrote this play as an homage to Brent, an amazingly gifted performer, who was his irreplaceable companion and unequaled friend. Brent died of AIDS-related complications in 1994, just as his career was beginning to take off. Brent Varner’s desire to leave behind an artistic legacy became the basis for this new charitable endeavor.

 

Synopsis

Craig and Steven seem to have the perfect relationship. Craig is the unpredictable "life of the party" whose career as a Broadway performer is about to take off. Steven is a witty and successful doctor with a circle of jet setting friends. They are deeply in love, but an implacable enemy will come to destroy them. Spanning five life- altering months spent in New York, set at the turn of the new millennium, Author/Director Howard Scheiner has assembled an attractive cast of mostly new faces to portray an eclectic group of friends, from club going golden boys of the gay scene to their conservative opposites. In varying degrees they all face dilemmas of love, conscience, commitment, spirituality and ultimate redemption. So that when it becomes obvious that Craig is dying of AIDS, in an era where it almost seems unheard of in their circle, Steven sees his roles of physician and life-partner collide. He is drawn into a series of impossible choices and in the process risks his very soul to save the person he loves most.

 

CAST

Malan Breton.............................Craig

Diana Browne............................Jackie

Niceto Festin*...........................Phillipe

Stephen Mosher.......................Barry

Steven Spraragen*...................Steven

Caleb Lane Wray.......................Alan

*appears courtesy of Actor's Equity Association

 

CREATIVE TEAM

Howard Scheiner ...................Playwrght/Director

Mariano ..................................Scenic Design

Guy Smith................................Lighting Design

Missy Galore............................Projections

Bobby McGuire.......................Stage Manager

Dodger Costumes...................Costumes

Depression Modern................Furniture

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