Billy to His Friends

Oliver "Billy" Sipple saved President Ford's life in San Francisco on September 22nd, 1975. Two days later, Harvey Milk outed him as gay to the entire world. A diverse ensemble of folks visiting the GLBT Historical Society in modern-day San Francisco become Billy's friends and reclaim history.

Oliver "Billy" Sipple saved President Ford's life in San Francisco on September 22nd, 1975. Two days later, Harvey Milk outed him as gay to the entire world. A diverse ensemble of folks visiting the GLBT Historical Society in modern-day San Francisco become Billy's friends and reclaim history.

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Billy to His Friends

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  • Enid Brain: Billy to His Friends

    A really interesting piece! I particularly appreciated the complex portrayal of Harvey Milk. I think the saintification of politicians (regardless of their identities) is dangerous and it's really refreshing to read a complex portrayal of Milk. It feels brave and subversive in an interesting way to deal with Milk as a man who had an ideology that wasn't uncomplicatedly positive.

    A really interesting piece! I particularly appreciated the complex portrayal of Harvey Milk. I think the saintification of politicians (regardless of their identities) is dangerous and it's really refreshing to read a complex portrayal of Milk. It feels brave and subversive in an interesting way to deal with Milk as a man who had an ideology that wasn't uncomplicatedly positive.

  • Zach Barr: Billy to His Friends

    Highly theatrical and deeply researched, Rose's play prompts difficult questions about the unintended consequences of trying to save someone else's life, from bullets or from the closet. Underneath the headlines and camp lip-syncing, it is at heart the story of why we lie to protect those we love, and how the truth doesn't always set us free in the way we hope it will. Begging to be in production.

    Highly theatrical and deeply researched, Rose's play prompts difficult questions about the unintended consequences of trying to save someone else's life, from bullets or from the closet. Underneath the headlines and camp lip-syncing, it is at heart the story of why we lie to protect those we love, and how the truth doesn't always set us free in the way we hope it will. Begging to be in production.

  • Brianna Barrett: Billy to His Friends

    A completely arresting look at a true, historical event that absolutely deserves to exist more predominantly in the public consciousness. This play explores how homophobia, internalized shame, politics, and a relentless new cycle contribute to a climate where it's possible for a man's life to be ruined by LITERALLY SAVING THE PRESIDENT FROM AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT. It's heartbreaking, compassionate, nuanced, and utilizes space, sound and an ensemble of actors doubling various roles to absolutely gorgeous effect. I very much hope to see this play staged.

    A completely arresting look at a true, historical event that absolutely deserves to exist more predominantly in the public consciousness. This play explores how homophobia, internalized shame, politics, and a relentless new cycle contribute to a climate where it's possible for a man's life to be ruined by LITERALLY SAVING THE PRESIDENT FROM AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT. It's heartbreaking, compassionate, nuanced, and utilizes space, sound and an ensemble of actors doubling various roles to absolutely gorgeous effect. I very much hope to see this play staged.

View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

This is not another queer play for only gay cis white men. This is a play for the entire LGBTQ+ community. The ensemble should reflect that. As should the text. If you, as a collaborator on this story, feel this is not happening, please let me know what I can do to remedy that.

OF SPECIAL NOTE: I am willing to split up and adapt the ensemble identities of this play to fit the actors available in an educational setting, such as a high school or college production.
  • Oliver "Billy" Sipple
    played by any gender and any race/ethnicity, with a disability (visible or invisible)
    Character Age
    30s-40s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Harvey Milk
    played by any gender and any race/ethnicity
    Character Age
    30s-40s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Walt
    Played by any gender that the actor playing Billy would be attracted to, and any race/ethnicity.
    Character Age
    30s-40s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Ensemble 1
    Plays SARA JANE MOORE, MA & NURSE. Played by any gender and any race/ethnicity, preferably on the older side.
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Ensemble 2
    Plays LEE, DR. FEENEY, and INTERN.
    Played by any gender and any race/ethnicity with a disability (visible or invisible)
  • Ensemble 3
    Plays MARTY, RUMSFELD, & LAWYER.
    Played by any gender and any race/ethnicity, preferably on the younger side, who has lip sync experience.
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Ensemble 4
    Plays FORD, STEVIE, EDDIE, & JUDGE.
    Played by any gender and any race/ethnicity, preferably on the older side, who has lip sync experience.
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Ensemble 5
    Plays CHARLIE, DAVEY, & SUPER
    Played by any gender and any race/ethnicity the actor playing Billy would be attracted to, and who's amazing with lip-sync/burlesque
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Celebration Theatre, Year 2024
  • Type Residency, Organization Broken Nose Theatre, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization Broken Nose Theatre, Year 2020

Awards