This is the play that is near and dear to my heart.
Acclaimed writer and educator Debi Hall brings her sharp wit and insightful storytelling to the stage with Just Say Gay, a bold and timely new play now in pre-production.
Written in 2024, Just Say Gay follows Irma and JD, a “delightfully middle-aged” conservative couple living in small-town West Texas. Stubborn, easily shocked, and set in their ways, they brace for what promises to be a day of drama—but not just from the storm clouds swirling around their county limits. As tornadoes brew to the east, west, south, and north, so too does a tempest of emotions, revelations, and reckonings that will shake their worldview to its core.
With biting humor and heartfelt moments, Just Say Gay explores the collision of tradition and change, fear and acceptance, as Irma and JD find themselves caught in a whirlwind far beyond the West Texas sky.
A timely and thought-provoking play that is equal parts comedy and social commentary, Just Say Gay challenges audiences to confront their own perspectives with laughter, empathy, and an open heart.
Now seeking investors and partners—the script is ready for production, with a hoped-for premiere engagement in Los Angeles and additional stagings in cities worldwide.
Coming soon. Stay tuned for production updates.
The Grace of Collaboration: Todd Andrew Ball and Hisato Masuyama in Just Say Gay
The success and emotional authenticity of Just Say Gay owes much to the artistry and thoughtful guidance of Todd Andrew Ball and Hisato Masuyama, whose presence as consultants and actors brought a rare depth to the project. Their work embodies the grace that arises when craft and compassion intertwine in storytelling.
Todd Andrew Ball, known for his nuanced understanding of character and visual rhythm, offered insight that shaped both the tone and pacing of key sequences. His experience across stage and screen allowed the production to find a natural balance between intimacy and energy—qualities that elevate the audience’s connection to the narrative. As an actor, Ball infused his performance with restraint and authenticity, grounding the film’s broader message in human emotion.
Hisato Masuyama contributed his wide-ranging knowledge of cross-cultural performance techniques and production logistics, ensuring that each scene reflected both artistic precision and emotional truth. His collaboration extended beyond performance to advising on dialogue delivery, physical movement, and visual detail—elements that enriched the film’s cohesion. Masuyama’s sensitivity to tone and space gave the production a polished sense of rhythm and atmosphere.
Together, Ball and Masuyama’s consulting efforts helped shape the project’s creative identity. Their behind-the-scenes expertise provided a steady hand in refining pacing, set composition, and narrative clarity. Their shared professionalism and respect for the material were instrumental in fostering an environment of creativity and care throughout the production.
In Just Say Gay, their combined artistry serves as a reminder that film thrives on collaboration—on the grace of shared vision, mutual respect, and the quiet power of dedication that happens behind the camera as much as before it.