The Precious Scars is a powerful fictional imagining rooted in a real-life act of heroism and betrayal. Inspired by the true story of Oliver “Billy” Sipple, the gay Marine who saved President Gerald Ford’s life in 1975, the play delves into the emotional aftermath of his unwanted outing by Harvey Milk and the media.

 

The play takes place in the middle of a sleepless night, as a deeply conflicted Billy finds himself in a heated conversation with Harvey Milk, the famed LGBTQ+ rights activist who helped publicize Billy’s sexuality to the world, and Cookie, a dazzling, defiant drag queen who serves as a sharp-edged spiritual conscience and comic relief.

 

Through memory, dialogue, and biting truths, The Precious Scars explores themes of identity, visibility, trauma, pride, and the burden of representation. It is intimate and raw, with moments of unexpected humor and deep emotional catharsis. The play asks: What do we owe to ourselves—and to our communities—when the spotlight finds us, whether we want it or not?

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Thursday, August 6th — 5:30 PM

Saturday, August 8th — 2:30 PM

Wednesday, August 12th — 7:00 PM

Friday, August 14th — 10:00 PM

Saturday, August 15th — 8:30 PM

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Rarig Stroll Thrust Theatre
330 21st Ave South, Minneapolis