Being a part of the generation that has seen monumental changes to the way the gay community is accepted in society, I felt it was incredibly important that this play be seen and heard. It covers many issues from the new definition of family, the acceptance of who you are and the Aids crisis. In my lifetime, I am pleased to say I have only seen acceptance (I am very proud of my own family, who was/is very accepting of my cousin, Jemma and her now wife, Von) and I find it unthinkable to not accept people for who they are, regardless of whatever gender they fall in love with or are atrracted to. We often forget what it took to get us there and it's important to honor what has been achieved in society.
I have many friends that have not only lived through the Aids Crisis but have also been so unfortunate to have lost friends and/or loved ones during that time. We fail to see it as a problem nowadays but the reality is, that it's just as much a problem now as it was then. And with the current nature of today's promiscuous youth, they are just as much at risk now; gay, bi or straight, as they were then. We must never forget the lessons of the past, so that we don't become doomed to repeat those mistakes in the future.
I am so proud and honored to have worked with this wonderful cast and crew, it has been a true joy, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
Jessica Osbourne, Director
SPECIAL THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Almost a year ago, Alaina Warren Zachary, actress and director, came to my office at the Aux Dog Theatre with a manuscript titled "Mothers and Sons" by Terrence McNally. Many years ago, I had produced the NJ Equity premiere of another McNally "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" to great reviews.
I've been a fan of McNally forever. Alaina had been able to obtain a pre-publication manuscript while the show was still running on Broadway! We decided to sit and read it together then and there and we were both so deeply moved that our decision was made for us. Now is the time and Aux Dog is the perfect place to tell this story. So thank you, Alaina, for your part in bringing "Mothers and Sons" to our stage.
Victoria J. Liberatori
Producing Artistic Director
