Spring Break
Preparation puts 'Angels' on scene
University Theatre puts on new play, "Angels in America," starting Nov. 8 in LaSells Stewart Center
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: News
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Part One of the play, "Millennium Approaches," crosses countless borders, engaging the audience with topics regarding sexual identity, drug addiction, the AIDS epidemic and religious beliefs.
The abundance of sensitive subjects, in addition to strong language and sexual content, has given the play a controversial reputation.
Each issue faced in "Angels in America" is grounded in present-day struggles and problems faced by the college-aged generation.
There is no doubt that the message delivered is an important one. "Angels" has won the support of countless theater-goers, along with an assortment of awards.
The full play includes two parts, and when performed as a whole, it lasts around seven hours.
Part Two, "Perestroika," will not be performed, leaving a 2-hour and 40-minute run time, including a 15-minute intermission.
Both parts of the play have received Tony Awards; "Millennium Approaches" won a Pulitzer Prize as well.
According to director Charlotte J. Headrick, the content of the play is difficult but controversial plays are often the most powerful.
"The University Theatre is supposed to do plays that challenge people and has a history of doing challenging theatre," Headrick said.
Although "Angels in America" revolves around an assortment of dramatic situations and adult topics, it manages to be funny and entertaining as well.
Colorfully depicted hallucination sequences, along with a number of interesting characters and intertwining storylines, will help cement the interest of anyone watching.
Younger audiences will find just as much to relate to as those who are older.
The cast, which is made up of students primarily from non-theatre majors, believe the play to be worthwhile, choosing it for its continued validity since its introduction in the 1990s.
The first part of "Angels in America" debuted in May 1991 in San Francisco to critical acclaim.
A year later, Part Two was introduced to the public. Both parts gained success and were performed around the United States and Europe, although rarely together.
Due to the play's popularity, an HBO series was developed in 2003. It received a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.
The play is still in circulation and maintains a large following.
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5-9 and 12-16. Tickets are available at OSU's main box office located in Withycombe Hall. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 12 to 5 p.m.
John Bonham, News writer
News@dailybarometer.com, 7372232
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