"Masks"--An Original New Play

ROYAL OAK EVANGELICAL CHURCH DEBUTS CONTROVERSIAL NEW PLAY, RAISES THOUSANDS FOR LGBT SUICIDE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION

Evangelical congregation has already raised upwards of $6,000 towards “The Trevor Project,” a nationally prominent LGBT organization dedicated to preventing teen suicide.

Royal Oak Missionary Church is debuting performances June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of the locally written and produced, “Masks,”--This three-act play will tackle issues and advocate actions few other Evangelical churches have: compassion towards the gay community, admittance of the propensity towards marital infidelity and religious faith’s destructive power. Ultimately, the show contrasts religion’s sometimes destructive qualities with the value of redemption.

Written by lead pastor and local playwright Bill Barnwell, the play’s central theme is that secrecy breeds dysfunction in any relationship. Two major plots intertwine throughout the script: One in which a closeted homosexual youth pastor is driven to despair after years of torment; the other focuses on a prominent and successful married couple struggling with marital faithfulness, and their teenagers' sexually related-angst.

While Royal Oak Missionary Church is considered a “conservative” church by most standards, the show takes a stand against the harsh mistreatment of those in the gay community, sexist attitudes, and attitudes of moral superiority in general. The script is original and the June production will be the first time it is performed anywhere in the country. The diverse cast is all-volunteer, and features many actors from outside the congregation.

“We consider it an obligation to help save lives. If a church really proclaims that it is ‘pro-life’, then this should include the lives of tortured young gay teenagers. That so few churches ever consider openly discussing these issues is a black eye against the Christian faith and contrary to the teachings of Jesus,” says Barnwell. “Statistically, LGBT youth are at a much higher risk for suicide. Few Evangelical churches have made any concerted outreach to LGBT related groups and little attention has been paid in the Christian community to the high rate of LGBT teenage suicide. I am trying to change the tone and way these issues are addressed both locally and nationally.”

The church plans that 80% of its profits between ticket sales and advertising will to “The Trevor Project.” The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, educational materials and online resources and advocacy. Learn more at: TheTrevorProject.org.

The Royal Oak Missionary Church congregation has already raised over $6,000, after production expenses. Says Barnwell, “I have an extremely brave and loving congregation.”

Perhaps just as controversially, Barnwell's play addresses the difficulties of relational monogamy. “Sexual fidelity is not easy or natural for many people. Not many people like to admit this. Shining some light on this issue is something that needs to happen if we want to prevent divorces and help couples have stronger marriages. This is an issue our culture is very afraid to confront.”

Further information about the play can be found on the show’s website at www.maskstheplay.org

Performances are planned for 7 PM, Friday, June 1, Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. Tickets are $5, and are available by pre-ordering by phone (248-541-6606) or by purchasing at the door. Audience also has opportunity to give towards the effort above and beyond for the life-saving charity in anonymous drop box before or after the show.