Angels in America Part One: The Millennium Approaches

Angels in America

Part One: The Millennium Approaches

National Theatre Live

BAM Rose

July 20, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of National Theatre Live 

The National Theatre Live screening of Angels in America Part One: The Millennium Approaches is potent and poignant.  Director Marianne Elliott finds the rhythms in Tony Kushner’s writing, and allows them to build with great momentum.  The cast creates characters and relationships that are genuine, volatile, and relatable.

Tony Kushner subtitles Angels in America as “A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.”  First performed in 1991, the play explores the aids epidemic in the Ronald Regan era through the characters of Prior Walter (played by Andrew Garfield), his boyfriend Louis (played by James McArdle), well known conservative Republican attorney, Roy Cohen (played by Nathan Lane), his protégé, Joe Pitt (played by Russell Tovey), and Joe’s wife, Harper (played by Denise Gough).  Mr. Kushner’s juxtaposition of a gay couple, a Mormon couple (Joe and Harper Pitt), and conservative Republican values opens the door for political and moral issues of the time to be aired and debated.  Roy Cohen is sick with aids and haunted by the spirit of Ethel Rosenberg (played by Susan Brown).  Historically, Mr. Cohen was influential on Ethel Rosenberg’s death penalty decision.  Prior Walter, also sick with aids, is visited by his ancestors and the great profit, who has a message for the new millennium.

Andrew Garfield as Prior Walter
Photo courtesy of National Theatre

Andrew Garfield is deeply grounded and enveloped in his physical choices for the character of Prior Walter.  He is transformed.  His performance is honest and real.  Nathan Lane is strong as Roy Cohen.  He masterfully nails the humor, the coldness, and the magnitude of this character.  Denise Gough creates a Harper Pitt who is lost in addiction and delusion.  She makes the truth in Tony Kushner’s words ring with clarity and power.  James McArdle is perfectly neurotic and torn as Louis, offering insight into the emotional turmoil of the time.  Russell Tovey effectively portrays Joe Pitt as steadfast on the outside and tragically crumbling on the inside.

Nathan lane as Roy Cohen
Photo courtesy of National Theatre

The National Theatre Live is an invaluable opportunity to experience high quality theatre that most of us, until now, have only been able to read about.  Take advantage of these affordable broadcasts and broaden your exposure and limitations.  Check out their website (ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk) for screening locations and dates.  Angels in America Part Two: Perestroika will be shown at BAM Rose on Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 PM.  Visit their website for tickets (www.bam.org/#Theater), and be sure to check back here next week for a posting.

Domenick Danza