Friday, October 23, 2026
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It’s 1950. As McCarthy’s Red Scare is proving to be unsuccessful, the U.S. State Department begins a side quest – to identify sexual deviants within the ranks – historically coined, The Lavendar Scare.
Perfect Arrangement gives us Bob and Norma who are state department employees…and gay. The play begins in the madcap style of situation comedy and evolves into something much more – the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement.
The play asks us what facades we will use to survive, and how can we have the courage to break them and instead thrive?
“The cast and creative team have put so much heart into this production,” said director Nichole Hamilton. “We understand the importance of this story and its value both in past and current moments of U.S. History. And it’s a heck of an entertaining ride.”
Playwright Topher Payne won the M. Elizabeth Orson award for best new play by an emerging playwright in 2014 for “Perfect Arrangement,” which premiered at the Source Festival in Washington, D.C. in 2013 and opened off-Broadway at Primary Stages on Sept. 29, 2015.
One of his most recognizable shows, “Perfect Arrangement” has made many feel seen. As a screenwriter, Topher has scripted six films for The Hallmark Channel. His most recent, “The Christmas Baby,” is a 2026 GLAAD Media Award Nominee for Outstanding Film for Television.
Payne will be on campus to share his knowledge and experience as both a playwright and screenwriter with students. He will attend the Thursday night preview contributing to the Post Show Talkback.
On opening night, Las Cruces favorite Singing Out Las Cruces will be onstage to entertain with music from the era just before the show begins and there will be a post-show reception at which the audience can meet the cast and collaborators.
NMSU Theatre has partnered with the Zuhl Library to hold a community reading series. All are welcome to attend, read a play out loud, and share in the story. “Perfect Arrangement” will be the first play in the series Friday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second floor of the Zuhl commons. People can read the play together before seeing the full production.
Other dates for the series include Oct. 16 and Oct. 30, 11-1 p.m.
