The Normal Heart

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 10:49pm

I just came back from seeing the most beautifully written play I have ever seen. Ever. I am speechless which never happens.
If you have the chance to see one play this year please see it.
It is breathtaking, heartbreaking and an incredible work of art.
Raul Esparza took my breath away.
It is playing at The Public Theater.

[NYUstud]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 10:52pm

Corine tell us some more about the plot line.

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 10:59pm

It is a play about love, passion and a mission.
It was written by Larry Kramer who started Gay Men's Health Crises. It is a heart wrenching journey that made me weep.
If you see it you will understand the impact this show has on people.
It is very powerful. Updated On: 4/11/04 at 10:59 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 11:05pm

sounds great. Considering that I missed Raul in Taboo, I really need to get tickets to this. I can't wait!

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 11:07pm

Bring kleenex.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 11:10pm

lol, will do!

[NYUstud]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 11:14pm

Thanks for the tip. I will definetly see it ASAP!

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 11:55pm

I like the Public Theater, I saw Caroline, or Change there. This play sounds interesting, thanks.

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/11/04 at 11:59pm

It is really a great play. I cried on the bus home.I tried to hold it in but it hit me on the bus and all these people were staring at me. I could not help it.
You have to see it.

[Wicked_Elphie]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 12:41am

thanks for the info...I really have to get tix, I'm really looking forward to seeing it!

[CherylA928]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 2:05am

I was at Normal Heart tonight too and it was probably the most moving performance I’ve ever seen. They have a wonderful cast but Raul Esparza really was OUTSTANDING! There were a lot of tears in the theater tonight but I think Mr. Esparza’s Ned Weeks shed more tears than anyone.
The one thing to remember about the story is that it is not fiction, it is history. You will leave the theater shaken!

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 2:08am

Yes Cheryl,
I still can't believe that Mayor Koch would not help.
It made me sick. I used to love him.
I am still shaking. It was really powerful writing.
I see almost everything and this moved me very much.
I salute Larry Kramer. I want to meet him.

[CherylA928]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 9:00am

It's hard to believe that Mayor Koch wouldn't help but, if I remember correctly, for the longest time, no one believed there was a REAL problem. No matter how educated or intelligent people where at that time, they lived with their heads in the sand. Twenty years later, many people still do!!!

Corine~ This morning while getting dressed, I noticed opaque stains here and there on my shoes. I'd forgotten.. but last night my shoes got spashed by the milk. Have you EVER seen anything like that scene?

[twogaab2]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 9:46am

Saw 1st preview. Even more timely than when it was 1st written. Magnificent performances from all-Esparza and Gleason esp. Extremly moving-3 hrs flew by. Even the curtain calls were chilling. A TRUELY great evening of theater.


Just my opinion, then again I may be wrong.

TWOGAAB

"A Class Act" will never die!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 9:59am

It's certainly the best thing Larry Kramer ever wrote, but that's not saying much.

I would be curious to hear from gay men who have lived through the epidemic for the past 23 years and who saw the original production if they think this revival still holds up?

I'm also shocked to see that such a passionate theater-goer and gay rights advocated and AIDS fundraiser supporter as Corine a) never saw a production of this before, b) never realized what the issues were, c) wants to meet Larry Kramer. (I'd love to be a fly on the wall!).

Larry didn't single-handedly create Gay Men's Health Crisis, (there's only one).

[StarUsher]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 10:18am

I'm so glad there is such a passionate response to this show. If anyone comes to see it, say hi to me I'm the housemanager taking the tickets at the door. I have read the script and enjoyed it but I can't wait till things slow down and I get to sneak in and watch it. I have seen so many people come out of the theater crying their eyes out. Tell your friends to get tickets soon, I have a feeling this one is going to be pretty big.

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:01am

I was fortunate enough to be in two seperate productions of "The Normal Heart."

I played Ben Weeks, Ned's straight brother, the lawyer.

And then Ned Weeks, the lead.

The script puts everyone, cast and audience, through the wringer!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:04am

Shows about passion will do that, I guess.

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:27am

Namo,
My Mother saw the show years ago at the Public but i was in College and i missed it. Please don't say bad things about Kramer. The play is the best play I have seen about AIDS and sorry that includes Angels In America.
What pissed me off was how he started the organization and was thrown out why because of his passion. It made me sick.
Larry Kramer spoke up and made a difference. Updated On: 4/12/04 at 11:27 AM

[Ruffian]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:36am

I saw the Original & it was devastating

I have my tickets & cannot wait to see the Revival

I am betting Esparza will be awesome

Its a timely revival, no doubt about it

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:41am

What about a revival of this show strikes you as timely now?

[Ruffian]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:43am

I think some people incorrectly think the AIDS crisis is over.

Its not

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:52am

Well I am not a gay man Namo but it had an impact on me.
I will never say "It Sucks To Be Me" again. I have not done enough for AIDS. I have to do more. Updated On: 4/12/04 at 11:52 AM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:54am

One thing to know is that AIDS is generally capitalized in the US. Please know that the world of today is very different than the world the Kramer was writing about. Don't get nostalgic for a time that was both awful and is over. There is an infrastructure now that didn't exist then.

[Ruffian]

Posted: 4/12/04 at 11:56am

No doubt much has been done, my point is much more to go. Times have changed plenty. Its still true however if we dont pay attention to history, we will be doomed to repeat it.