Don’t let us beat around the bush: there is nothing good about the COVID-19 outbreak. It is deadly and horrible and causing severe issues worldwide. But a lot of positive things are happening surrounding the global quarantine that are helping to give us a respite. Celebrities especially seem especially keen to use their stardom to help and entertain. And we’ve seen a rash of shows and movies having full-on Zoom reunions, like Melrose Place and Back to the Future. Now you can add Orphan Black to that list. The cast will reunite for a virtual table read, to give voice to a very important cause.
Almost three years after the final episode of Orphan Black, the bulk of the cast and crew will reunite on Sunday, May 17, at 3pm ET on the show’s official Facebook page for a reading of two episodes. The reading will be in support of Mental Health Awareness in May and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The stream will invite viewers’ charitable support of two specific charities, CenterLink and Sistering.
BBC America
The Emmy-winning star of the show, Tatiana Maslany, had the following to say of the event:
“Kristian Bruun and I started talking about the idea of doing an Orphan Black reunion back when everything had shut down. We wanted to show love to Clone Club and help raise some money for people who are disproportionately affected during this difficult time. We chose two charities, CenterLink and Sistering Toronto. CenterLink supports over 250 LGBTQ community centers across the world. Our LGBTQ fans have always been deeply important to us. Sistering Toronto helps at risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto, who are certainly in dire need right now of support, resources, and healthcare.In addition to raising funds, we hope that we can bring some joy to the fans, something intimate just for them, make them feel connected to the Clone Club community even if we’re all far apart. Going back to the first season for some nostalgia and iconic moments. All of the cast and producers and writers did a zoom chat the other day to discuss things and none of us wanted to hang up. Our show was always about family and community and sestrahood, so bringing us all back together for this just felt right.”
BBC America
This is very exciting for members of the Clone Club community. The cast and crew will read episodes 106 and 107 from the show’s first season. Confirmed are cast members Tatiana Maslany as Alison, Cosima, Sarah and Helena; Maria Doyle Kennedy as Mrs. S; Jordan Gavaris as Felix; Kristian Bruun as Donnie; Kevin Hanchard as Detective Art Bell; Dylan Bruce as Paul; Evelyne Brochu as Dr. Delphine Cormier; Josh Vokey as Scott; Michael Mando as Vic; Inga Cadranel as Detective Angela DeAngelis; Eric Johnson as Chad Norris; and Natalie Lisinska as Ainsley. Kathryn Alexandre, Maslany’s acting double, will also be in attendance as well as co-creators Graeme Manson and John Fawcett, executive producer Kerry Appleyard, writer Will Pascoe, and co-producer Mackenzie Donaldson.
Just as the series promoted positive LGBTQ representation in its 50 episode run, those involved in Orphan Black will continue to do so at a time when marginalized communities need support the most.
Featured Image: BBC America
Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Twitter!
