The Wyoming Valley is going to have a visit from a president before next month’s primary election.
Well, more or less.
Martin Sheen, known for his role as President Jed Bartlet on the TV show “The West Wing,” will be at King’s College on April 8, 9, and 10 to meet students and participate in a limited performance of the play “8” by Dustin Lance Black
As a visiting artist, Sheen will be involved in a private session and rehearsal with students in the theater department on April 8 and 9. His visit will conclude with the performance of “8,” by Dustin Lance Black and researcher Kate Sullivan Gibbens, where Sheen will act as Judge Vaughn Walker alongside King’s College students, faculty, and staff. The play will have two performances on April 10 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the George P. Maffei II Theatre.
Sheen, in a news release, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to King’s College, which bestowed an honorary degree upon him 40 years ago. He stated that his affection for King’s and the Holy Cross community is based on their commitment to truth and justice. He noted the importance of the play in representing a crucial judicial decision affirming the fundamental right to be oneself, particularly during a time when rights and justice are being questioned.
“8” is a reenactment of the closing arguments for Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which invalidated California’s Proposition 8, and is based on court transcripts, firsthand observations, and collected interviews. It originally premiered on Broadway in September 2011 under the direction of Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello and featuring Bob Balaban, John Lithgow, Morgan Freeman, and Bradley Whitford. It was later performed as a benefit telecast in 2012, with Sheen portraying Theodore Olson alongside Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Kevin Bacon. The American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact, the play's sponsors, have made the script available for free educational readings at colleges and community theaters nationwide.
“As a small liberal arts theatre program, we teach students about the various aspects of theater they can expect in a professional environment,” said Dave Reynolds, M.F.A., chair and professor of theatre at King’s. “Mr. Sheen’s visit showcases the innovative ensemble theater that defines our program here. Both onstage and offstage, students will gain a great deal from this invaluable opportunity and Mr. Sheen’s years of experience and wisdom.”
Limited tickets for “8” can be purchased by the public online through Brown Paper Tickets. The George P. Maffei II Theatre is situated on the first floor of the College’s Administration Building. Parking is available on nearby streets and in the Holy Cross Hall and McGowan School of Business parking lots, the latter of which are accessible via the cul-de-sac on North Franklin Street.
Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
Sheen paid a surprise visit to campus last October while visiting his friend and King’s College law professor, retired Judge Joe Cosgrove. After spontaneously meeting with students in the College’s theatre department during that visit, Sheen was inspired to return for a more official program.
Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D., the president of King’s College, expressed his gratitude for Martin Sheen's previous unexpected visit to the campus. He highlighted how Sheen interacted with the students and offered mentorship, similar to the daily efforts of the faculty and staff. Looney was deeply touched by Sheen's generosity in returning to work with the students at King's College.