George Clooney to Star in Los Angeles Premiere of Dustin Lance Black's 8

George Clooney will star in the Los Angeles premiere of Dustin Lance Black’s 8, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The one night only event will be held at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Ebell Theatre on March 3, 2012. Rob Reiner, who appeared in the show's New York premiere, is set to direct. The play chronicles the historic federal court trial overturning Proposition 8, the ballot measure that denied gay and lesbian couples in California the right to marry. Additional casting will be announced soon.

“It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-class citizens,” Clooney said. “I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth that gay and lesbian people—like all human beings—are born equal in dignity and rights.”

The play received a starry one night only reading in New York on September 19. Directed by Joe Mantello, the cast of the New York production included Morgan Freeman, John Lithgow, Bradley Whitford, Ellen Barkin, Cheyenne Jackson and more. Proceeds from the Los Angeles production will benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights in its fight for marriage equality.