THE ANGEL HAS LANDED IN LAFAYETTE CA. TOWN HALL THEATRE
The Angel has landed in Lafayette Ca. and this production of Tony Kushner's "Angels in America the Millennium Approaches” is very impressive. I first saw the production when it was commissioned for San Francisco's Eureka Theatre by artistic director Tony Taccone (now with the Berk Rep).
"Millennium Approaches" premiered at the Eureka in 1991, and both Tony and Oskar Eustis co-directed the second part "Perestroika" at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. With 24 years of history this play is not as staged as much because of its running time of 3 hours and 6 hours, if you do both parts. I have seen a few productions of “Millennium” at area colleges and regional. Its great to see this small Contra Costa company take on this challenging play.
Company Director/Actor Joel Roster - assembled some of his company pros and other vets from local stages to create a fast pace - 2.5 hour version of the play (combining the first and second acts). New Town Hall is also performing the second part "Perestroika" set for Feb of 2016 -
Jeffrey Draper is perfectly cast as Prior Walter, a central character, suffering from AIDS and visions including seeing the Angel. Prior’s partner, Louis, played by Dennis Markam handles the fact of dealing with his lover’s approaching death by avoiding the topic with some of Kushner's best monologues.
The Mormon connection is played very well by Alan Coyne and Alex Bogorad, husband and wife Joseph and Harper Pitt. The pill popping Harper who rarely leaves her house sees some great visions including her travel agent played perfectly by LaMont Ridgell. As Kushners intended many of the main cast double in characters including LaMont who later plays Belize, an ex-drag queen who is one of Prior’s only true friend.
Harpers husband, Joe, is being groomed by Roy Cohn, a real life character, that Kushner uses as one of his underlying villains. Cohn is historically correct as the man who killed the soviet suspected spies the Rosenbergs, and was Senator Joseph McCarthy’s main lawyer who destroyed many during the commie witch hunts of the 50’s. Cohn played by Jerry Motta is powerful in this man’s downfall to the AIDS virus.
Kerry Shawn and Ginny Wehrmeister brilliantly play multiple roles. Shawn as the Mormon mother is perfect, but when she returns as Ethel Rosenberg to witness Cohn’s slow death her performance is outstanding. Ginny as the Angel only gives a hint of what will come in the second play.
The Town Hall production team uses their small space at 200% to create 1985 and the Angel approaching, a fast moving breakaway set by Martin Flynn, David Lams lighting, Hannah Carls sound design and Erik Scanlons Angel are haunting.
AIA works well even after 24 years. It is moving, powerful and this cast directed by Joel Roster brings out the emotion and honesty of the work. He brings it in at 2.5 hours and only makes us count the 12 months until he stages with this same cast in Part II AIA Perestroika.
'ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES
By Tony Kushner, presented by Town Hall Theatre Company
Through: Feb. 28 Where: Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette
Running time: Two and a half hours, one intermission
Tickets: $15-$32; 925-283-1557, www.townhalltheatre.com
PHOTOS BY Randy McMullen and Vmedia
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