REVIVE THE NORMAL HEART

[JVJ93]

Posted: 5/27/20 at 12:54pm

Honestly we already had reason enough due to the Covid catastrophe. But now with the passing of LK, I cant think of a more opportune time to bring back this masterpiece (even though the last revival was just under a decade ago).

Theyd need some names to sell tickets, but theres a lot of great options. Oscar Isaac as Ned? Metcalf, Laura Dern, Glenn Close, Frances McDormand as Dr Emma? Here for it

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 5/27/20 at 12:58pm

It's a nice sentiment, but honestly, a revival of Normal Heart, even with the movie version, would be a tough sell in normal times, but especially now with less people already coming to the theatre (presumably), and especially if they need to cast big names (with higher salaries).  I think a nice benefit reading is much more likely and feasible.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 5/27/20 at 1:10pm

Yes, maybe a benefit reading, but I think even without the last revival and the movie, I think we're too emotionally exhausted to revisit another pandemic in a major way while in the midst of this one.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/27/20 at 1:42pm

I think next year, with an all star cast, and a very limited run (Boys in the Band), it would be absolutely incredible.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/27/20 at 1:46pm

I assumed, when I read the OP, that a benefit reading was being proposed. An actual production would be too little too late: there should be a recognition of his life and passing ASAP, and a full production after Broadway is back in business post-pandemic will not have anywhere near the same resonance. 

[darreyl102]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 12:06am

While a beautiful show, it's also extremely emotional and a definite tearjerker. I think after this incredibly hard and difficult life changing time, audiences will want to see something upbeat and uplifting, which I don't really think this falls in that category. Having just overcame a pandemic, I don't think audiences will want to go see a play about another grave and heartbreaking time
I feel like after all of this has calmed down, people will want an escape, not more sadness 

Updated On: 5/28/20 at 12:06 AM

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 12:12am

In his memorial post, Ryan Murphy mentioned that he had secured the rights to both THE NORMAL HEART, and THE DESTINY OF ME, with the intention to run them in rep on Broadway.

Obviously we know he’s secured rights in the past (FUNNY GIRL), but he has a better track record with plays (THE BOYS IN THE BAND, the Jessica Lange LONG DAYS...).

While I think the last revival was perfect to the point of definitive, I’ll love to see this happen. No doubt Murphy would attract an A-List cast.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 1:55am

I see 3 primary issues with this suggestion:

1. The recent revival was about as perfect a production that anyone could ever hope for.  I fear that it is too soon and an incredibly tough act to follow.

2. I doubt very much that there will be enough people willing to go to the theatre for quite awhile, and as has been discussed in other subject discussions, people are going to be looking for lighter works than a very heavy drama about another pandemic.

3. There is ready access to the HBO production, which is outstanding.  If people have a desperate need to see a production of The Normal Heart, that production is a damned good substitute (and I know that a really good live production is still preferable to a really good film, but the other factors are overarching.

This is an opinion and I could be very wrong, but I don't think I am.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 8:57am

Well looks like it’s going to happen.

I would love to see Meryl as the dr maybe.

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 9:52am

Jarethan said: "I see 3primary issues with this suggestion:

1. The recent revival was about as perfect a production that anyone could ever hope for. I fear thatit is too soon and an incrediblytough act to follow.

2. I doubt very much that there will be enough people willing to go to the theatre for quite awhile, and as has been discussed in other subject discussions, people are going to be looking for lighter works than a very heavy drama about another pandemic.

3. There is ready access to the HBO production, which is outstanding. If people have a desperate needto see a production of TheNormal Heart, that production is a damned good substitute (and I know that a really good live production is still preferable to a really good film, but the other factors are overarching.

This is an opinion and I could be very wrong, but I don't think I am."

I agree.  In my opinion, the recent revival was still too recent to warrant another (and yes, I know, there are tons of shows that are revived much more frequently than 10 years apart, but in my opinion, they shouldn't be).  Although if it gets us The Destiny of Me in rep with it, I'd be on board.  But like you said, people aren't going to be flocking to see a play about another pandemic right now.

[uncageg]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 10:02am

Agreed. It is too early for a revival. Also, I really don't see that Covid warrants a revival of a play about the AIDS epidemic. JMO

[JVJ93]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 10:39am

This whole thing about not touching a text because the last production was “definitive” or “near perfection” is obnoxious. When artists set off to revive a show, they’re not thinking “how best can I top that last production in elements XY&Z.” It’s to tell the story in a new, exciting and (hopefully) well received way. Theatre would be in a precarious predicament if creatives all had that “let’s not touch this material because “ mentality.

[Alex Kulak2]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 10:57am

The main hurdle is that The Normal Heart is a huge downer of a show (though I love it immensely). It's going to be a while before depressing plays can be made financially viable in any way.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 11:02am

In the middle of a pandemic that will keep theaters closed until 2021 at the earliest, people are acting like it's an On Demand channel they can utilize when they have a hankering to see a show.  

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 11:51am

Alex Kulak2 said: "The main hurdle is thatThe Normal Heartis a huge downer of a show (though I love it immensely). It's going to be a while before depressing plays can be made financially viable in any way."

True, but nothing a huge bankable star or two can’t fix.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 12:03pm

IdinaBellFoster said: "Alex Kulak2 said: "The main hurdle is thatThe Normal Heartis a huge downer of a show (though I love it immensely). It's going to be a while before depressing plays can be made financially viable in any way."

True, but nothing a huge bankable star or two can’t fix."

I wonder if Julia Roberts would reprise her film role.  Maybe redeem her stage career. 

[Just_John]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 2:38pm

https://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/ryan-murphy-plans-to-run-larry-kramer-normal-heart_91035.html

It’s happening!

[Jarethan]

Posted: 5/28/20 at 3:40pm

JVJ93 said: "This whole thing about not touching a text because the last production was “definitive” or “near perfection” is obnoxious. When artists set off to revive a show, they’re not thinking “how best can I top that last production in elements XY&Z.” It’s to tell the story in a new, exciting and (hopefully) well received way. Theatre would be in a precarious predicament if creatives all had that “let’s not touch this material because “ mentality."

I can't disagree with you, until you consider how recently it was presented.  Maybe big stars will make the difference at the box office, but I don't see it.