"Brutal! Dirty! Vulgar!" These are just some of the adjectives that were applied to Mae West's 1927 banned play, being presented at Chandler Music Hall this coming Saturday the 25th, at 7:30 PM. Entitled The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy in Three Acts, the play was stopped by the New York City police after only 10 performances, with the cast being taken to jail.

As the director of this terrific play, I cordially invite you to come Saturday to see my 15 actors "camping it up" with Ms. West's saucy lines, and also seriously presenting her early case for sympathy for gay people. This is a staged reading to benefit Vermont CARES, for serving Vermonters with HIV/AIDS and preventing the spread of this disease.

After the performance, there will be a talkback so you can ask questions of me and all the cast members. Then we'll enjoy a complimentary reception, featuring homemade goodies.

Tickets are available at www.chandler-arts.org or (802) 728-9878, for a special advance-purchase price. Or just come to the box office on Saturday night. Hope to see you there.