STAGE TUBE: The Making of freeFall's THE NORMAL HEART - Part 1

Larry Kramer''s unabashed indictment of the politics surrounding the early days of the AIDS epidemic debuted in 1985 and is no less surprising or powerful almost 30 years later. Set in New York City, The Normal Heart unfolds like a real-life political thriller as Ned Weeks and a close-knit group of friends shout into the darkness about what they see happening to their friends and community. Their warnings erupt into all-out fury as everyone from government leaders, healthcare providers and the mainstream media ignore the mounting crisis. The Normal Heart was revived on Broadway in 2011 for a limited, sold-out run. It won three Tony Awards and has been made into an HBO motion picture starring Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo. This deeply moving play is part of freeFall''s SEASON OF OUTCASTS, and plays through February 16.

Following a now legendary reading by the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project last season, freeFall reassembles much of the same cast including freeFall Artistic Director, Eric Davis as "Ned Weeks." The play also stars Jim Sorensen,Dick Baker, Larry Alexander, Gavin Esham, Mark Chandler, Rob Maus, and Justin Gordon. Creative Loafing''s Best of the Bay (Critic''s Choice & Reader''s Pick) Best Actress Roxanne Fay plays Dr. Emma Brookner. World-renowned author, teacher and director Larry Silverberg directs the production.

freeFall Theatre and Al May present this production of The Normal Heart. Nicholas and Diane Bailey Morton and Bill Ward also sponsor the show. Get Involved! freeFall will be providing talkbacks and events throughout the run benefitting numerous local advocacy groups. Contact Matthew McGee at 727-498-5205 (X 7) for information on group rates and show availability.

Don't miss a new behind-the-scenes documentary by award-winning filmmaker Leigh Simons. The doc can be viewed starting January 30 on freefalltheatre.com. This all access look at the rehearsal process is a unique look at what it takes to produce a regional production of a classic American Play.

The Normal Heart runs January 25 through February 16. Ticket prices range from $16 to $44 plus ticketing fee (waived for members). The theatre is located at 6099 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg.

For more information and tickets visit www.freefalltheatre.com or call (727) 498-5205.

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