George Clooney News: Prop 8 Play to Broadcast Live Tonight
A-list actors Brad Pitt and George Clooney have agreed to appear in the play "8" about California's Proposition 8.
"8" highlights the legal process behind California's fight on gay marriage with Proposition 8, and the overturning of the ban.
Pitt will portray Prop 8 opponent U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker in the play, while Clooney's character is David Boies, an attorney who fought for the reversal of the highly publicized ban.
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The actors will only appear in one show, taking place on Saturday, March 3. The play will stream live on YouTube, according to the American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact.
Pitt and Clooney appeared in the "Oceans" movie franchise, and have publicly acknowledged each other as close friends.
Speaking about his friendship with Pitt, Clooney told The Advocate, "People think Brad and I hang out all the time, but the truth is that we see each other very rarely, maybe a couple times a year. I do think we've set the bar very high [for other actor duos] … I'm very proud to call him my friend."
Clooney's recent interview also saw the actor comment on long-standing rumors about his own sexuality.
"My private life is private, and I'm very happy with it," said Clooney. "Who does it hurt if someone thinks I'm gay? I'll be long dead and there will still be people who say I was gay. I don't give a ****."
"8," directed by Rob Reiner, also sees big names such as Martin Sheen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Bacon. The pre-show for the play will stream on YouTube at 10:30 p.m. EST Saturday, with the play beginning at 10:45 p.m. EST.
The American Foundation for Equal Rights board president Chad Griffin released a statement about "8."
"At long last each and every American will be able to see for themselves what happens when prejudice and fear are put on trial in a court of law," said Griffin. "For over two years, the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8 have fought tooth and nail to hide their discriminatory arguments from the American people."
Griffin continued, "But on Saturday night, thanks to YouTube and our incredible cast, people across the nation, from Los Angeles to Little Rock to Baltimore, will get to watch as out Constitution's promise of liberty and equality for all is protected."
"8" was on Broadway last September and is set to tour national throughout 2012, but the A-list cast attached to the West Coast reading Saturday is not expected to remain with the play.
