The Normal Heart 1st Preview — Page 5

Right, and it's great if he's bringing people who wouldn't otherwise go to see it into the theater, but yes, hopefully they will take more away from the experience than that, because it has a tremendous amount to offer, and it is so much bigger than one actor's fame. It'd be really sad if that's all people got out of that experience.

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I went to tonight and was impressed by the commitment of all the actors in this production. People have mentioned Barkin for a Tony. I hope Hickey gets the Tony for best supporting actor. He was fantastic in this. I agree that Mantello was also excellent, but I'm not completely sure he'll win the Tony over Rylance or even Bedford.

I saw Esparza in the Public Theater revival a few years ago and I was a bit more moved by his performance as Ned than Mantello's.

I was glad to finally see Lee Pace live in a show. I thought he was well cast.

And it was so good to see lots of young people at a serious play.

Wow! So damn sorry for asking a simple question about one certain star. Geez! I ask because I live in Cali so I will never get out there. I'm more associated with Jim Parsons show than I am in theater. I have friends who also want to know his successes over there. Kill the messager, always. Don't worry. I'm done asking but its a simple question and I don't feel off the mark to ask. Goodbye!

All that's been said about this production is true. The performances of Mantello and Barkin are simply breathtaking. The staging is simple and beautiful. It's not a masterwork in terms of writing...but it is in terms of political theatre. And somehow, it doesn't feel stale or dated. It feels incredibly fresh...and is perhaps the most visceral experience I've ever had in a theatre.

But as good as Barkin and Mantello are (and they are that good), they couldn't be as good if they weren't surrounded by the other actors. Lee Pace is heartbreaking. Jim Parsons brings a southern queen's sharp wit, but shows the depth of his heart at just the right times.

Special mention, though, must be made of two journeymen actors are who doing work that should truly get both of them Tony noms. Patrick Breen is so different here than in anything I've ever seen. His aria in act 2 (there's really no other word for it) was just magnificent. He built it brilliantly so that it felt like it came out of nowhere...but at the same time, it was the only thing that could be said in that moment. Just devastating work.

And then there's John Benjamin Hickey, whom I've followed since before I even moved to this city to pursue acting. He's always been so very good...doing such strong work. And he has yet to receive the attention I believe he deserves. I hope this beautiful, harrowing performance changes all of that. The craft and skill it takes to go from a healthy, virile man to (SPOILER) dying in front of our eyes is tremendous. And to know that he does this without us getting caught up in watching him 'act' astonishes. He's absolutely beautiful in this show. And, for very, very personal reasons, his was the performance that will stay with me forever.

I agree with you a 100% about John Benjamin Hickey. He is a gifted actor who is great in everything in which he appears, but he has never gotten the recognition he deserves. Please, let this man be given his due!

I pray that someone (HBO, I'm talking to you) will film this for broadcast.

Hey Pomita! Thank you for responding.:) (I know her from many, many TBBT and Parsons fan clubs..lol) Anyway nice to see you join the chatter.
I'm not leaving this suddenly I just felt my question was answered in a negative fashion. I'm thrilled at how much praise this play is recieving. I also understand the importance of said play too. I honestly cant wait til it opens and gets the critics attention. Then the REAL pros will speak. To ALL the actors associated with The Normal Heart, Good luck and break a leg!

It's really sad that I can't meet him in LA (his hometown) but I hear so many people are meeting him in NY. Argh!

Same here, I'm really looking forward to the reviews. And not just because of JP.. it's great to know that he's a part of such quality work.

^ THIS!

Mantello really was judicial in the fire and brimstone of it all wasn't he? And somehow he found so many colors in the emotion known as rage. So when the big milk scene finally happened, it felt seismic. And don't even get me started on his 'I do'.

Watching him and Hickey play off each other, knowing how far back their professional relationship goes, was really just magical. Though I've yet to see Rylance, I wouldn't be surprised if Mantello wins the Tony. It's an astonishing performance...and he's given A LOT of work to A LOT of people of the last two decades.

Just a curious question are they off today or is it tomorrow before the big grand opening? Thanks

Yes the first act is preachy but you have to realize, when it was written this was information that wasn't getting out! People were learning these things right there in the theatre. It all seems rather didactic now.

Question; I heard the Mayor Koch lines but I didn't hear the lines about Ronny Reagan Jr the silent President's the ballet dancer son. Was it cut?

ETA: Ned Weeks is based on Larry Kramer. there is nothing nuanced or subtle in the way he presents himself. Just sayin'

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Updated On: 4/25/11 at 01:40 PM

Michael Bennett-I couldn't have said it better myself. Mantello gives one of the very best performances by an actor in a play that I have ever seen. He manages to curb the anger with humanity and vulnerability. It's just a beautiful performance from an immensely gifted actor. I was totally on the character's side the whole time and felt complete compassion for him. I really hope he takes the Tony.