Mothers and Sons, the Tony-nominated Broadway drama by Tony-winning gay playwright Terrence McNally, has partnered with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on the Grammy-winning hip-hop duo's 30/30 Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing worldwide access to affordable health care.
Ryan Lewis created the 30/30 Project with his mother, activist Julie Lewis, who contracted HIV from a 1984 blood transfusion while giving birth to Ryan's older sister.
"To honor the 30 years my mom has been a survivor, our family is raising funds to build health centers worldwide that will stand strong for at least 30 years," wrote Ryan Lewis in April of the health care initiative, which raised more than $152,000 on IndieGoGo.
"I want to do something big," added Julie Lewis. "The 30/30 Project is that big idea. We believe that health care is a human right. We have the knowledge and we have the treatments. Life threatening diseases like HIV/AIDS can be managed. What people need is access."
Mothers and Sons stars Tony and Emmy winner Tyne Daly as a mother paying an unexpected visit to her late son's former lover (Frederick Weller), who is now raising a child (Grayson Taylor) with his younger husband (Bobby Steggert). (See production photos here and watch a new commercial for the play here.)
A post-show donation collection and proceeds from Mothers and Sons merchandise in support of the 30/30 Project will benefit Construction for Change, an organization that will oversee construction management and funding of new medical facilities.
"We are thrilled that the 30/30 Project has teamed up with the Tony-nominated play Mothers and Sons in support of HIV awareness and education," said Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in a joint statement. "This vital play keeps the message going strong, and are proud to lend our voices to help this cause."
Julie Lewis and Mothers and Sons cast members will discuss HIV and AIDS issues during a post-show "TalkOut" following the June 11 evening performance.
Directed by Next Fall's Sheryl Kaller, the play opened March 24 for an open-ended run at the Golden Theatre, where portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt are now on display.
The show marks McNally's 20th Broadway production. Others include The Ritz, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Master Class, and Love! Valour! Compassion!
Watch a video about the 30/30 Project below.
