‘Dear Harvey’: Open auditions for new play to premiere this fall

The story of Harvey Milk is coming to El Camino College this October and open auditions for the production will be held on Thursday Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 2 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on campus in the Marsee Auditorium.

There will be four performances beginning at 8 p.m. on Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22 and one taking place on Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. The play will feature an original score composed by Thomas Hodges and ticket prices will range from $10 to $15.

Originally written by Patricia Loughrey, this production of the play “Dear Harvey” will be directed by Theatre Instructor and Arts Administrator, Nathan Singh.

Told from a script composed of real-life interviews and speeches from those who knew him during his lifetime, “Dear Harvey” invites audience members to participate in the collective rediscovery of the impact and legacy of the first openly gay elected official in California: Harvey Milk.

In an interview with Nathan Singh, the director said that during the initial phase of production, the mantra of those involved was “how can we mend hearts with this play?”. Similar to the play “Hamilton”, Singh hopes to empower students to step into history by allowing students from all gender and racial backgrounds to play the role of Milk himself.

Harvey Milk’s career centered on advocating for equality and providing a voice for those lacking representation. Despite being assassinated in Nov. 27, 1978, the influence and reach that Harvey Milk had continues to remain just as impactful today, as audiences old and new will be able to bear witness to Milk’s impact on stage at El Camino College.