I agree about kindness and professionalism. And showing class. I felt strongly that actors doing a no-show during the convention only hurt the image of the profession, and diminished the high-standards profile of Broadway itself. But as has been discussed here very sensitively by many, posing with pictures invites a connotation of support. And a picture lives forever, and can be used--exploited--in many contexts. We live in an era when the photo op is used to sell just about everything -- the "end" of an "accomplished mission" is just one infamous example.
I say, bring 'em on, put them in the seats. Let all intolerant people see a big-hearted, truly big-tent show like HAIRSPRAY and learn many lessons. HAIRSPRAY, as entertaining as it is, is also a slyly subversive piece. But then, I believe Art has always changed hearts and minds more than war.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling