Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre will open its 2026–27 season with the world premiere of Everybody’s Favorite Mothers, a new work by acclaimed playwright James Still. The production runs September 3–20 and brings to the stage the true story of a mother whose love for her gay son helped inspire a national movement.

Described as “a love story disguised as a protest,” Everybody’s Favorite Mothers centers on Jeanne Manford and her son, Morty. In 1972, 21-year-old Morty was beaten and hospitalized after distributing flyers in New York City. In response, Jeanne took a public stand for her son and the broader LGBTQ community.

She marched beside Morty in the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade, which would later become known as the Pride parade. By doing so, Jeanne became one of the first parents to publicly and visibly support a gay child. Her act of courage helped spark a movement that led to the creation of PFLAG, now one of the country’s leading organizations supporting LGBTQ people, their families and allies.

The Phoenix Theatre production stars Christel DeHaan Artistic Director Constance Macy as Jeanne Manford. Jack Ducat, previously seen in Indianapolis productions with Eclipse and Summer Stock Stage, portrays Morty.

Through the relationship between mother and son, Still’s play explores the deeply personal forces behind public activism. It examines how love can become resistance, how an individual act can create lasting change and how families can play an essential role in advancing civil rights.

Phoenix Theatre will extend those conversations beyond the stage through a complementary exhibition and series of public discussions.

The Michael O’Brien Gallery will present The Power of Protest from September 1–13. Available for just two weeks, the exhibition examines the passion and influence of protest throughout American society.

The exhibition will combine political posters curated by Lars Lawson with original paintings by Robert Bentley and Ellie Garvey. Together, the works will explore how artists, activists and communities have used visual expression to challenge injustice, amplify important causes and inspire social change.

Phoenix Theatre is also organizing a series of free community discussions centered on the production’s major themes. The conversations will provide historical context for the play while connecting its story to the continuing struggle for civil rights in Indianapolis.

Scheduled speakers and moderators will include local LGBTQ leaders and representatives from area PFLAG chapters. Dates, panelists and additional details will be announced through the Phoenix Theatre website and its social media channels.

Everybody’s Favorite Mothers runs September 3–20 at Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, opening a season with a timely reminder that movements often begin with a personal decision to stand beside someone you love.

Photo Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light