Plan-B lights up Salt Lake with And the Banned Slammed On

Two good things combine into one fantastic thing.

For the sixth year of “Slam” and the seventh year of “And the Band Played On,” the two events are being combined into “And the Banned Slammed On,” scheduled for May 30 at 8 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Theatre (138 W. Broadway). The fundraising event, hosted by X-96’s Bill Allred and KUER’s Doug Fabrizio (pictured), will feature five ten-minute plays created in 24 hours by local playwrights in celebration of the First Amendment.

"We want to illustrate that difficult times - like the present state of the economy - and censorship itself - is fertile ground for the creation of new work,” said Jerry Rapier, Producing Director of Plan-B. “Since the mission of Plan-B is to develop and produce unique and socially conscious theatre, it seems logical to morp our annual fundraiser into the literal creation of new plays that celebrate the First Amendment. After all, the play's the thing, right?”

The playwrights, which include Matthew Ivan Bennett, Kathleen Cahill, Christopher Larsen and others, have until 9 p.m. that Friday until 9 p.m. that Saturday to write their plays. At that point, they’re turned over to five directors (including Tracy Callahan, Christy Summerhays, Robin Wilks-Dunn) three designers, and 15 actors (including Kirt Bateman, Stephanie Howell, Colleen Baum, who have until 8 p.m. that Saturday to learn and stage the plays.

Tickets are $40 for orchestra seating and $25 balcony (there are limited $10 student seating). Food will be provided by Cali’s Natural Foods, and there will be a cash bar. For tickets or more information, please call 355-ARTS or visit Plan-B’s website.