Considered one of the greatest works of 20th-century theatre, Angels in America is a gripping tale of companionship, abandonment, and awakening that gives a compassionate voice to the fears engulfing a nation. Set in New York City at the height of the Reagan era and the beginning of the AIDS crisis, eight core characters struggle to find harmony among their beliefs, their desires, and the societal roles they feel obligated to uphold. Tony Kushner’s modern masterpiece is an epic exploration of politics, religion, sexuality, and love that crescendos to an arresting finale.
Central to the story is Prior Walter (Damien Atkins), a gay man recently abandoned by his lover Louis (Ryan Beil) after revealing his AIDS diagnosis. Director Kim Collier (Saint Joan, Helen Lawrence, Tear the Curtain!) says, “Brian Markinson and I first proposed doing Angels in America to Bill Millerd in 2015 because it’s an incredible piece of theatre—a story that eloquently captured the magnitude of fears, complexities, and change happening in the ’80s and ’90s. After the recent US election, with its shift in political narrative and the resulting resistance and pain coming from its citizens, Angels in America feels more urgent than ever. There are many reasons to do this play. It is ever vital in its ability to widen compassion and empathy in the world. It provides catharsis to those who have suffered, whether from AIDS or other tragic losses. It is shockingly relevant in the questions it asks of whether we will act in self-interest or as a citizen to defend our marginalized communities.”
The captivating sequel to Millennium Approaches will open the Arts Club’s upcoming season. Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika plays at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage from September 7 to October 8, 2017.
IN BRIEF An Arts Club Theatre Company production: Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St., at 12th Ave.) from March 23 to April 23, 2017. Tuesday – Thursday 7:30 PM, Friday & Saturday 8 PM, Wednesday 1:30 PM, and Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM. Tickets start at $29, inclusive of taxes and fees. Call the Arts Club Box Office at 604.687.1644 or visit artsclub.com.
