Broadway Actors Make N.Y. Marriage Video

As the push for marriage equality in New York enters its final act, Broadway actors contribute a new video for the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality series from the Human Rights Campaign.

In the one-minute spot, the actors speak about the significant economic contribution their industry makes to New York. Obvious, but unstated, are the many LGBT fans and their supporters who bring business to the state when they see Broadway shows.

"Each year our industry brings in over a billion dollars in revenue to this great city and this great state," says Hair star Gavin Creel.

"We are gay, straight, and everything under the sun, and we fully believe in marriage equality," adds Rory O'Malley of The Book of Mormon.

Creel and O'Malley cofounded Broadway Impact, an organization that works for equality.

"Broadway is about as synonymous with New York as the Empire State Building and Joe Namath," said Brian Ellner, senior strategist for HRC in New York. "Each year, Broadway shows bring in over $1 billion in ticket sales alone. We are approaching the end of the current legislative session and now is the time for all New Yorkers to raise their voices in support for marriage equality."

The New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, which has appeared online and on the city's Taxi TV, features high-profile figures and everyday residents in videos that urge viewers to contact their lawmakers and express support for the marriage equality bill. Only six session days remain in the legislative calendar, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo and advocates are working to secure the votes still needed to pass the bill in the Senate.