By Daily Press staff
Santa Monica homeless have been given a chance to make their living — on Broadway.
The Santa Monica Playhouse recently treated 27 Santa Monica Shelter (SAMOSHEL) residents and staff to a two-hour matinee performance of “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.”
“Frankie and Johnny” is Terrence McNally’s Broadway play about the relationship between a waitress and a short-order cook in a hamburger joint.
The free presentation was part of play producer-actress Nancy Hill’s collaboration with several local grassroots homeless organizations to train homeless men and women in theatrical and business skills for employment in the entertainment industry.
“Our taking part in community events like this allows the public to see a different side of homelessness,” said Theodore Henderson, SAMOSHEL’s resident council president. “We have the same interests as everyone else.”
The shelter provides emergency and transitional housing, on-site case management, counseling, 12-Step meetings, housing referrals, and employment assistance for 110 homeless men and women on an ongoing basis. Tips for the great outdoors
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 5, 2006. Read the original PDF.