That's What Friends Are For

Supporters of David Parker plan to be in the area this weekend to protest a production of "The Laramie Project" at the Newton South High School. Yes, Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church is at it again. (Do you think they will make an appearance at his court date on Thursday too?) Phelps responds to the Globe about the play in Newton:

''It's a tacky bit of banal fag melodrama without any artistic or literary merit or redeeming value," said Phelps in a telephone interview yesterday. (He also protested at Shepard's funeral.) ''Its only purpose is to promote the homosexual lifestyle or at least sanitize it in the eyes of straight America."

I must confess. When "The Laramie Project" first came out I didn't see it. It was then filmed for TV by HBO. I finally caught the HBO production this past year and I was floored. It was quite moving and beautiful. A big part of the story line is how Fred Phelps' group actually protested Matthew Shepard's funeral, no wonder Phelps is not happy. If you're able, check out the production and support the kids at Newton South. It starts at 7:30 Thursday through Saturday. Directions can be found here.