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Oakland’s ‘Normal Heart’ is brilliant
By Lorraine Wardle
The Oakland Center for the Arts opened its new season Friday with a brilliant revival of a moving production. “The Normal Heart,” by Larry Kramer, is one of the finest pieces of drama this area has seen in a long time.
The Oakland first produced “The Normal Heart” in 1987. At that time, it was a new and revolutionary play. At its 25th anniversary, the play seems more of a look back, a remembrance of how things once were. Yet it also manages to remind us how much they are still the same.
“The Normal Heart” takes place in New York City from 1981 to 1984, a time in which gay culture was booming but still underground. In 1981, doctors first began noticing the symptoms of HIV/AIDS in the gay community. But they had no idea what it was. Many gay men were becoming sick and dying, but there was no medical data or research as to why.
“The Normal Heart” begins in this time of confusion. The characters are surrounded by doubt, misunderstanding, and fear. Ned, a writer, joins with his friends to create an organization that will gather information, share it with the community, and, they hope, stop the spread of this mysterious disease.
Sadly, they are met with resistance from the government and the medical community. No one wants anything to do with the “gay disease.”
Dr. Emma Brookner is one of the few doctors who wants to help. She and Ned try to encourage the gay community to practice abstinence or at least safer sex. But as Emma fights for recognition in the medical community, Ned struggles with his friends. “No one should tell us how to live,” they argue.
“The Normal Heart” is an intense and heartbreaking play. Every line is delivered with a sense of urgency. Even the scene changes are fast-paced and tense. The exceedingly talented cast filled the theater with angst and emotion. The actors worked together flawlessly to create an extraordinary ensemble.
Christopher Fidram plays Ned Weeks, the outspoken and confrontational activist. Fidram gave a passionate and powerful performance, knowing exactly when to simmer and when to explode.
Bruce Niles, played by Jason Green, is Ned’s foil. Green’s Bruce was typically calm and mild-mannered, though Green gave an extremely emotional monologue toward the end of the play.
John Cox plays Felix Turner, Ned’s lover, giving a sweet, natural and ultimately heart-wrenching performance. Molly Galano’s Dr. Emma Brookner was a tough yet compassionate character.
James McClellan gave a compelling performance as the exhausted and shaken Mickey Marcus. Chuck Kettering’s Tommy Boatwright took a humorous and compassionate turn, while Joe Marshall was sympathetic as Ned’s straight brother, Ben. Paul Sauline, Matthew Schomer and Craig Conrad all gave likewise strong and vital performances.
The Oakland’s production of “The Normal Heart” was an amazingly moving production that has proved to be just as important today as it was 25 years ago.
“The Normal Heart” continues Friday and Saturday and Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. at the Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St. For reservations, call 330-272-7200.