It seems that Del Hamilton and Faye Allen will do anything for their beloved 7 Stages, even get married.
The longtime bohemian theater makers have been a couple since before they founded their Little Five Points playhouse in 1979. Now, as they turn the company over to its next generation of leaders, they’re making it legal. Really.
Email invitations to the Jan. 28 soiree asked, “Are you with the bride or groom?” Longtime friends and supporters were so surprised some asked whether this was real or a gimmick.
Well, it’s both. Allen and Hamilton are indeed getting married, jumping the broom, tying the knot, getting hitched. But never the conventional sort, they’re doing it as a 7 Stages fundraiser. Instead of “fancy gifts,” guests are asked to bring cash, checkbooks or credit cards and make a donation to the theater. For guests who want to wish the couple well but cannot attend, monetary gifts will still be accepted on behalf of the theater.
The event even has its own Facebook page. The suggested dress code: formally outrageous.
7 Stages began a new era of leadership this month, with Hamilton and Allen stepping away from day-to-day duties and longtime staffers Heidi S. Howard and Mack Headrick moving up. Howard, formerly education director and production manager, is now artistic director. Headrick, formerly director of finance and operations, is now managing director. Don’t be surprised if their new jobs encompass much of the old; like at most of Atlanta’s small- and midsize theater companies, a few hands do the work of many.
Howard and Headrick, who’ve both been with 7 Stages for more than a decade, are joined by Michael Haverty (The Object Group) as associate artistic director.
The nonprofit, created to engage audiences and artists in the social, spiritual and political values of contemporary culture, is known for its international exchanges. Next on its stage is Angry Fags, a world premiere by Atlanta playwright Topher Payne, that uses dark comedy to examine ideas of gay terrorism and American political hypocrisy. It runs Feb. 21 to March 17. Details, tickets HERE.
