Two weeks ago John Kerry apologized to former State Department employees who were fired because they were (or were suspected of being) gay or lesbian, and therefore considered to be blackmailable and untrustworthy.

This coming Saturday at 7:30 PM, Vermont Pride Theater at Chandler presents a one-night-only benefit performance of Topher Payne's prize-winning play "Perfect Arrangement", about the start of this so-called Lavender Scare. The first act plays like farce, in an "I Love Lucy" vein; but then the tone darkens, as the scare threatens the perfect arrangement of two gay couples masquerading as straight. The script-in-hand performance, in a set and with costumes, will be followed by a talkback moderated by RUHS history teacher Brian Rainville.

Proceeds from the benefit will go toward the civil rights activities of LGBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).

Advance tickets are available at (802) 728-6464 or online at www.chandler-arts.org. Or buy tickets at the box office on the 28th.