The Normal Heart

There is hardly a dry eye in the Golden Theater at the conclusion of The Normal Heart. Written by Larry Kramer, the revival details the beginnings of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980‘s and the efforts of a group of men to combat it. The epidemic carried with it the stigma of being a 'gay' disease and, at that time, most in the community were closeted. Few were open about their sexual orientation and most feared discovery, disapproval and loss of jobs.

The central character is Ned Weeks, an outspoken activist (played by Tony-winning director and actor Joe Mantello.) Because of his uncontrolled bluntness, he often alienates everyone, especially many other homosexuals. Lee Pace is stilted in his portrayal of Bruce Niles, a former Green Beret who is elected president of their organization because he is so attractive. Patrick Breen is more believable as a government worker whose very job is threatened when Weeks keeps assailing the unnamed NYC mayor (Koch) for help.

Most of Mantello’s acting is at a high decibel. He comes across as excited and more excited. He only shows a softness when his lover Felix, (well-played by John Benjamin Hickey) falls victim to the disease. But most of what we hear is frustration, urgency and badgering. Most impressive is Ellen Barkin, making her Broadway debut as Dr. Emma Brookner. She urges Ned to galvanize the community to tell them to stop having casual sexual encounters. She is brusque and no nonsense. In a wheelchair for the duration of the show, she shows restraint, curbing her obvious anger and frustration at the growing number of cases she is treating.

Although the characters discuss the death toll and statistics, nowhere does A Normal Heart become as powerful as when names flash on the stage. As the show progresses, the list of names increases, until finally it's onstage and throughout the theater. When the action begins, there were 41 deaths. Now, according to Kramer, there have been 75 million infections and 35 million deaths.

Making his directorial debut, Joel Grey played Weeks in the original play replacing Brad Davis, (who sadly himself died of the disease.) George C. Wolfe is co-directing.

For younger audience members, this show is a lesson in recent history. Being gay seems more acceptable now. In fact, many popular television shows feature obviously gay characters. (Modern Family, Desperate Housewives) but they rarely tackle issues as powerful as the continuing AIDS epidemic.

Despite the audience complacency in feeling that things are much improved, it is dispelled by a letter from the playwright that all receive upon leaving. Kramer’s letter is a return to grim reality. He stresses that all the events and characters are real. Lest we feel smug about improving conditions, he cautions that the epidemic still rages and that the number of cases continues to rise, both in the US and throughout the world. Kramer continues to urge awareness. The audience leaves, saddened and touched: I just wish Kramer had also offered specific ways to help.