Rent Performed at Orange County High School

From The Advocate:

A student production of Rent at Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach, Calif., will open tonight, despite having originally been canceled by the school's principal because of objections to the play's gay content. Students wore rainbow buttons to support the musical, which were confiscated by school officials. However, after reading the script, principal Fal Asrani gave permission to go ahead with the production.

But the drama didn't end there.

Members of Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church have planned to protest the school as classes let out Friday, and they will do the same at tonight's sold-out performance. The Newport Beach Police Department will also be there.

Orange County Equality Coalition will counter-protest Westboro Baptist Church, and a number of groups and community members also plan to attend in support of the students and school.

The groups are planning to gather at the high school at 2:30 p.m., and again in the evening. For more information go to the OCEC website.