Academy Award-winner Richard Dreyfuss, joined AFER Boardmember and “8” playwright Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J.Edgar), Academy Award-nominee Annette O’Toole (Smallville), Lance Bass, and Bruce Vilanch (Hollywood Squares) for a one-night-only benefit reading of the play “8” in San Diego at the Birch North Park Theatre.

The sold-out event also featured openly-gay City Councilmember Todd Gloria, who was recently unanimously elected city council president, in the role of Judge Walker, and a talk back with outgoing Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders, who testified during the 2010 Prop. 8 trial, and his daughter, Lisa, who also starred in the show as the clerk.

For Gregory Cruz, who produced the event and brought everyone together, the night had a special meaning:

“My partner (and co-producer) and I have been together for nearly 10 years and although all of our projects are dear to our hearts—producing “8” was of particular interest because it affects us on a more personal level.  We weren’t able to take advantage of the small window where marriage was legal in California, but “8” is a testament that we are closer than ever before to achieving marriage equality for all–permanently. “

Here are a few photos:

Photo above by Tamandra Michaels. Photo Slideshow by Big Mike.