The USA Network filmed a special event at the Chicago History Museum, benefiting The Moth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of storytelling.
Actor Peter Gallagher hosted "A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power" and gave a brief intro before each performer. "I was going to be Kristen Chenoweth tonight. ( She was scheduled to attend. ) I almost got in the dress!" This was all a part of Characters Unite, which is a public-service campaign used to fight discrimination through storytelling. Cellist Tomeka Reid worked as timekeeper, limiting the testimonials to 10 minutes before she would begin playing and no written notes were permitted to aid the speakers.
With a variety of backgrounds each storyteller brought something to the table. Comedian Judy Gold talked about Judaism, lesbianism and mother-isms. Writer Walter Mosley covered racism. Sex and the City's Cindy Chupack described her adventure with a gay husband. Joey Kemmerling, founder of the Equality Project, remembered his troubled past of being bullied in school that led him to near suicide and opening The Equality Project. Urban Prep Academies Founder Tim King closed the show with his story of changing a young man's life.
Through laughter or tears, the strong cast hoped to combat discrimination by sharing personal insights from their lives. Gallagher ended the evening by saying, "Everyone should go tell a story or two, and let's all make the world a better place!"
The Moth flutters onward with six ongoing programs including a podcast that can be found at www.themoth.org . Check www.usanetwork.com for information about Characters Unite and airings of this special evening. Photos and text by Jerry Nunn