Review: THE NORMAL HEART Remains a Timeless Call to Action so Needed Right Now!

Loosely autobiographical, THE NORMAL HEART covers the first years of the AIDS crisis from 1981 to 1984. Those of us who lived through that time can share stories fueled by fear of a new and dreaded "plague" that no one understood or knew how to combat. All we did know was our gay male friends were contracting what appeared to be a form of cancer that was killing them almost exclusively in large numbers - and no one seemed to care or know what to do about it or how to not catch it or pass it on to your loved ones. In fact, the government seemed to want to ignore the problem, while religious zealots preached that homosexuals were getting what they deserved via the wrath of God for their abhorrent behavior.

Fueled by love, anger, hope and pride, Larry Kramer's masterpiece THE NORMAL HEART centers on a circle of friends struggling to understand and contain a mysterious disease ravaging New York's gay community and one man's fight to awaken the world to the urgency of the situation. The guest production at the Chromolume Theater is magnificently directed by Marilyn McIntye on the small stage, a large part of which is due to the 5 moveable set pieces designed by David Mauer which are moved about to create all the different rooms so necessary for the production. Set changes are inspirational to watch, choreographed like a ballet down to the slightest detail.

However, my only criticism in McIntyre's direction occurs near the end of the show when thrown food items remain on the set for the following scenes, an eyesore that pulled focus as actors almost tripped over them and set pieces pulled them along as they were moved. Surely in the set change ballet, actors could simply kick or sweep the large head of lettuce, bunch of broccoli, spilled milk carton and slices of bread to the sides of the stage where their presence would not be so distracting, yet still contribute to the messiness that life has become for the play's characters.

Brilliantly cast with actors who seem to know each of their characters down to their soul, Parker Mills stars as writer and activist Ned Weeks, whose polio-stricken and now wheelchair-bound doctor Emma Brookner (Carole Weyers) tells him he must convince every gay man he knows to stop having sex or they'll die. The play follows Ned and a core group of friends, most notable his New York Times Style Editor boyfriend Felix Turner (the incredibly handsome Peter Schiavelli) whose descent into the ravages of AIDS fuels Ned's decision to create the first gay-oriented organization to recruit others to speak out against silence and ignorance about themselves and the disease.

There are lovely tender moments between Mills and Schiavelli throughout the play, especially as they get to know each other during their first date, and ultimately the heartbreak they endure as their lives are torn apart by AIDS. Along with Ned's ever-present rage, several of the others in the cast are pushed to the boiling point, especially Brookner's final explosive, anger-fueled, paper-throwing rage when the good doctor's research is not recognized or thought to be of any value.

Also featured in the cast are Dan Via as Ned's conservative brother Ben, a lawyer hesitant to be identified with gay concerns, Alan Lennick as closeted upper management executive Bruce Niles who acts as President of The New Group founded by Ned, Ray Barnhart as dedicated group member Mickey, Jeffrey Masters as Southern Queen Tommy Boatwright who acts as referee during the group's many disagreements with the outspoken Ned, Cameron Cowperthwaite as Craig/Grady and Eric Bunton as David/Hiram/Doctor).

Each character plays a significant role as they rally against a community that refuses to believe they are in danger, a bureaucracy that refuses to listen, and a President who won't even utter the word AIDS. Dismissed by politicians, frustrated by doctors and fighting with each other, their differences could tear them apart - or change the world. Thank goodness these brave souls started a revolution who message of speaking up has continued, especially now when social media plays such a big part in getting our voices heard.

THE NORMAL HEART remains one of the theater's most powerful evenings ever. It was so ahead of its time that many of the core issues it addresses - including gay marriage, a broken healthcare system and, of course, AIDS - are just as relevant today as they were when it first premiered off-Broadway in 1985. Its message to stand up, speak up and FIGHT for what is right certainly speaks to our political situation today, and I salute producers Sarah Burkhardt and Parker Mills for sharing it with Los Angeles audiences now since this is a time to inspire the American people to stand up and be heard on issues that affect all of us. I hope when you walk out of the theater, you will feel as I did that your voice can matter and now is the time to champion whatever cause speaks to your heart and soul.

Director McIntyre shares in her program notes: "These are confusing and disturbing times that we are navigating. We can either keep complaining or we can get angry and do something. As artists, we are being told to not be political, just entertain. If ever there was a segment of society that is political, it's the artists... we hold up a mirror to the good, the bad and the ugly. THE NORMAL HEART will continue to be relevant as long as there are segments of society that are not being accepted and supported by people who can make a difference."

I applaud her for speaking the truth and hope everyone reading this takes it to heart and is inspired to take action.

THE NORMAL HEART continues through March 19, 2017 on Friday & Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by calling (800) 838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2816561. Chromolume Theatre at the Attic is located at 5429 W. Washington Blvd. (between the 10 freeway and Hauser Blvd.) in Los Angeles, 90016.

Photos by Sari Lennick

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