ANGELS IN AMETICA Reviews — Page 4

mtcond said: "My issue with Garfield was the pain and strain in his voice. The screaming and shrieking throughout got old for me, but the audience ate him up. Yes, Prior screams in pain and in fear, but even simple moments were shouted. "

Except for the very last scene in Perestroika. For me, it was worth 8 hours of screeching and camp to "come down" for that last monologue, as the house lights go up. When Prior says to the audience, "You are fabulous creatures, every one of you," in that steady baritone, I just melt every time. For me, it's like Prior finally finds his peace, so the audience gets to have some, too.

Totally agree about Nathan Lane. IMHO, it's the finest work he's ever done. I also agree about the other aspects of the play you've lauded. I hope it sweeps on you-know-what day!

She can watch this 2-minute NT live summary of Part One first.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvuLJEikcks

I saw Part 1 last month, and may not be able to make it back to NY for Part 2 before it closes. Does anyone here have any suggestions on what to watch so that I can find out what happens in Part 2? Do we think that they will show the play again in movie theaters via Fathom Events or sell it on DVD/Blu-ray? There looks to be an older HBO miniseries, maybe? Otherwise, I have to think about a couple of long travel days to get back to NY in July. I'm in California. Thanks for any advice on what videos I might be able to find. Or should I read the book?

TotallyEffed said: "Can you make it to Berkeley to see Perestroika?

If not, watch the HBO film but start from the beginning."

It's easier to fly to NY than to drive to Berkeley and park, ha ha. I just wonder if I will be terribly disappointed in the production given that I saw Part 1 in NY. Would you say it's better to see it in Berkeley than to watch the HBO film?

NYfanfromCA said: "TotallyEffed said: "Can you make it to Berkeley to see Perestroika?

If not, watch the HBO film but start from the beginning."

It's easier to fly to NY than to drive to Berkeley and park, ha ha. I just wonder if I will be terribly disappointed in the production given that I saw Part 1 in NY. Would you say it's better to see it in Berkeley than to watch the HBO film?"

Your results may vary, but I thought the Berkeley production was truly outstanding. I saw this both in New York and in Berkeley, and I may have a minority opinion based on the Angels in Berkeley thread, but I actually preferred it in Berkeley. I found it more intimate and riveting, though act 1 in both parts one and two got off to a slow start. By the end of each part I was sold. Stylistically they are quite different. I can't really say if you would be disappointed. As for me, after I saw it in New York, I bought tickets to see it again in Berkeley.

I have not seen the Broadway production or the HBO film, and I understand the reluctance to switch casts/design/everything for Perestroika. But having seen the Berkeley Rep marathon, I would certainly recommend it. Angels in America is at its best as live theater, and the Roda Theatre in Berkeley is an intimate, 600-seat house. Randy Harrison, Stephen Spinella and Carmen Roman all do excellent work in Perestroika as Prior, Roy Cohn, and Hannah/Ethel Rosenberg. Parking is easy.

TotallyEffed said: "I can’t imagine how anyone who even vaguely has an interest in Angels in America has never seen the HBO film.

It’s pretty spectacular."

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely try to get to the Berkeley Rep production. I do like the Roda Theatre. The show was never on my radar before...never had HBO to catch the film...so I am late to the party, but really enjoyed Part One.

I was put off by the HBO special from scene one. Why did they have to assume that the audience doesn't know how to feel and add such egregiously intrusive and manipulative music ALL THE WAY THROUGH?

The HBO miniseries is amazing. Al Pacino is IMO a much better Cohn than Nathan Lane. Lane is great, but he can't resist being funny. With Pacino you get the full rotten core of Cohn's character while still caring about him. A remarkable performance and he's not the only one. Mary Louise Parker, Patrick Wilson, Meryl Streep all gave performances that absolutely sang and broke your heart.

TotallyEffed said: "I can’t imagine how anyone who even vaguely has an interest in Angels in America has never seen the HBO film.

It’s pretty spectacular."

I went into this production having never seen the show OR the HBO miniseries. It wasn’t for a lack of interest... just one of those things I never got around to. And I’m really glad I went in not knowing anything other than the vaguest idea that it was about the AIDS crisis in 80s NYC, and involved Roy Cohn. I was absolutely riveted to every second of this production, largely because I had no idea what was going to happen!

I’ve since gone back and started to watch the HBO version since I immediately fell in love with the show, and I think it’s excellent. But it’s not holding a candle to what I just saw on stage. I’m happy I got to experience it the way I did.

kmissa said: “This was my experience, too. I love going in blind and having 0 expectations. Did you see it Thursday & Friday?"

I did! Though about a month ago, not this past Thursday & Friday.

@miles2go, I'm so glad you got to see this play! I saw it last Saturday and was completely blown away. I sat in the mezzanine but had the audio-assisted device on which helped make the play feel more intimate. I connect my Bose headphones to the audio-assist device and they make the sound so much better than not wearing them at all (I'm in my early 30s and only wear the audio-assist device when watching plays.)

I'm planning to go back and get a better seat and am thinking of plunging in and spending $$$.

I did watch the HBO mini series back in 2003 or 2004 but I didn't feel connected to it for some reason. I recall snippets of Al Pacino and Meryl Streep but completely forgot most of the plot. I'm glad they did this revival and hope to see the play one more time before July 15th (but in a better seat!)