The Normal Heart- A Must See- Page 2

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 11:01am

Judgment. Which is one of two or three things that will doom any form of prevention message. (Basing messages on fear or unmeetable expectations are two more.) Can you imagine anybody suggesting "Tell straight people to stop having sex"? You picked perhaps the most laser sharp example of the self-loathing that runs through Normal Heart and much of Kramer's writing. At least he manages to externalize his internalized homophobia.

What I meant with the comment about the researcher dealing with "real people" is that she understands that people have sex in context of their real lives, they are not two dimensional characters, that sex is a drive like eating and breathing. Kramer was anti-sex before there was an AIDS epidemic (re-read Faggots if you must). Thank god for people like Michael Callen and Joseph Sonnabend for creating their "How to Have Sex in an Epidemic" booklet which certainly saved more lives than "tell gay men to stop having sex."

The "these characters were based on real people" argument doesn't really mean that the characters are real people with real lives, you know? They're just characters.

[twogaab2]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 11:49am

I hope all of you who have been following this running (shall we call it) "debate" can now see why this is still such an important play to see. Also, there is an emotional element that is very strong that superseeds the political.

Just my opinion, I may be wrong.

[Broadwaylilhead]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 12:37pm

It's the best time I've ever had watching milk explode....

Call it a regime change...

[SNAFU]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:32pm

Yes Two, seems like the debate even after 20 some odd years,remains the same, even though the political clime and epidemic itself has changed.
There will always be high emotions when it comes to sex, Gay or Straight. It is too much a part of our lives not to draw such emotions.

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:38pm

Maybe it should move to the Marquis in June?
Make that September.
Updated On: 5/13/04 at 08:38 PM

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:40pm

I am hoping it will move to a smaller, more intimate House....it's that kind of theater, I think.

The Helen Hayes is a smaller theater.....it doesnt belong in one of the bigger barns. Circle in the Square would be perfect....but only if FROZEN doesnt last....but I wouldnt wish that, as I think FROZEN is excellent too..just musing

Updated On: 5/13/04 at 08:40 PM

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:43pm

Yes it should but Larry Kramer wants it on Broadway.
Actually it could go into the Theater where Match is playing.
Personally I love the theater at the Public but Kramer wants Broadway according to his interview on Theater Talk last week.

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:46pm

I understand that...I am talking about a smaller Broadway House

If it goes into THE PLYMOUTH, Raul can have his old TABOO dressing room...lol Updated On: 5/13/04 at 08:46 PM

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:49pm

Well I hope it goes to Broadway.
It is a great play worth seeing. You know Circle In The Square would be perfect but Frozen is there.

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:51pm

I'm sure Kramer will do all he can to make a transfer. I have a few friends who (for some odd reason) don't venture outside the "Broadway Theater District"....so people like that will get a chance to see it should it move

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/13/04 at 8:59pm

Hope Worth can move it because it is brilliant.

[twogaab2]

Posted: 5/14/04 at 9:38am

I'm of two minds on the subject of a Broadway transfer. I would like to see this production get the recognition it deserves (people, in general, don't take off-Broadway seriously). On the other hand, strait plays just don't do well on Broadway anymore, no matter HOW well done they are. (Unless they have some rap-star in them).

Just my opinion, I may be wrong.

Updated On: 5/14/04 at 09:38 AM

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/14/04 at 9:41am

Thats why it needs to move to a smaller House....I know how much Kramer wants this transfer...but it needs to be in the right kind of venue. Dramas can have a tough time selling tickets, no matter how good they are

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/14/04 at 4:00pm

Updated On: 5/16/04 at 04:00 PM

[StarUsher]

Posted: 5/14/04 at 4:32pm

It's so interesting to hear specific feedback about the show. I have noticed most people upon exiting don't even know what to say, they are so moved. I thought I've seen some of the same people more than once. (I take tickets at the door of the Anspacher)I'm really glad this play has reached so many people in such a big way. And to the person who mentioned Raul's scream. I don't know how he does it every night but he's never hoarse and breaks my heart every night.

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/14/04 at 4:36pm

I was speechless.
For the Original AND for the Revival

There are always tears in the audience...its just a moving evening at the theater

[robyn525600]

Posted: 5/16/04 at 10:21am

I finally saw it yesterday. I'm a writer and I'm not even sure I have words to describe what I experienced. Beautiful play and the cast was brilliant. I must say that each time I see Raul, he is amazing but this takes the cake. The man bared everything, his heart, his soul, and let everyone take flight on this journey that he was telling. BRAVO, Raul, BRAVO!

[sparky310]

Posted: 5/18/04 at 11:44am

absolutely i must disagree...mr. warlock is charming, sweet and loving and the seemingly the most unlikely victim..thats what makes him perfect...he has power, strength and conviction inhis performance..i encourage you to see it again..i have seen it 3 times and he is remarkably consistent.