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The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Peer Reviews Angels
in America: Millennium Approaches A review by Kate Barry Entire contents are copyright © 2008 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
Angels in America is a play that is bigger than itself; its reputation surpasses any and all characters within the text. With such accolades as Tony Awards, Pulitzer Prizes and critical acclaim, tackling such a piece with high standards is very ambitious, to say the least. CenterStage at JCC was up for the challenge and did their best. For those of you who missed the epic miniseries on HBO staring Al Pacino and Mary-Louise Parker, the play is about multiple characters affected by AIDS, drug addiction and sexual identity during the Reagan era. There's Harper and Joe, a Mormon couple living a lie behind valium and closet homosexuality. Also, there's Roy Cohn, Joe's mentor in-law who has AIDS and is also in the closet, as well as Prior and Louis, a gay couple affected with AIDS. Strong performances were given by the entire ensemble of actors. CenterStage veteran Jeremy Moon was endearing as Prior, a man who is forced to suffer through AIDS alone after his lover leaves him out of cowardice. Melissa Shepherd stood out as Harper, the pill-popping unhappy housewife who ultimately knows the truth about her husband's sexuality. Her hallucinations with Mr. Lies, a smoking travel agent with a 'fro, are both comical and haunting. Frank Goodloe entertained the small audience as Mr. Lies and Belize, an outspoken drag queen. Shawn Slone was quite a ball of energy as Roy Cohn. I couldn't help but feel queasy and moved at the same time. In the past, I have seen CenterStage produce some pretty hefty productions such as Cabaret and Evita, but I have never seen them tackle such a powerful work. I admire the ambition that CenterStage put forth for this production and only wonder what's in store for the future — Rent? Les Miserables? Avenue Q? One can only hope.
Angels in America Posted Oct. 25, 2008
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