BWW Reviews: Know Theatre's ANGELS IN AMERICA: PERESTROIKA

The Know Theatre delivers part two of the epic Angels in America as well as they delivered part one. The first half, Millennium Approaches (which will be playing concurrently through the run of the second part) focuses on the lead up of the arrival of a mysterious angel. The second part, Perestroika, becomes more subject-heavy and intense as the story unfolds once the angel has arrived.

In Millenium Approaches, we learned about Roy Cohen (Michael Bath), the closeted and rather heartless McCarythist lawyer who was diagnosed with AIDS. Roy is now dying and dealing with his potential disbarment. One of the aspects about this play that is most interesting is the interconnectivity of the characters. Roy's nurse is Belize (DarNell Benjamin), who we were introduced to in the first half as Prior's best friend. Roy and Belize have some very interesting conversations about race as Roy lay dying, and both actors bring great qualities to the roles.

Another interesting development is in Harper's character (played by Courtney Brown). She's seems less dependent on the pills, but she's found some strength of her own now that her husband Joe (Christopher Guthrie) has disappeared. And Joe's still testing the grounds of his new relationship with Louis (Joshua Murphy), Prior's ex-boyfriend.

Prior (Rob Jansen) struggles shift in the second half. He must come to terms with his relationship to Louis and there is less focus on his AIDS as he also figures out his new role as a prophet. He delivers a powerful monologue at the end after having fought for what little life he has left.

The Angel (Liz Vosmeier) plays a large part in Perestroika, delivering her message to Prior about Heaven and her theories of the universe. It's heavy, but Vosmeier does a great job delivering the sweeping language and stuttering "I's". The angel wings are impressive and the creative team uses a unique way to make the Angel "fly."

The cast do a great job of filling up the stage with minimal scenery. When you come to the Know Theatre, you don't expect flying contraptions to make the Angel fly or huge scenery pieces but it's not needed. What the cast do on stage and the words of the play provide enough imagery. And much to my surprise, despite the second part seeming to feel much darker, the play ended on a rather positive and optimistic note.

The Know Theatre delivers a great experience with Angels in America. Go see it and reward yourself with quality theatre in Cincinnati.

All tickets to all Know Theatre productions are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the performance. Purchase online at knowtheatre.com or call the Box Office at (513) 300-KNOW (5669).

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