First Look: London's "Angels In America"
Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11:16PM Chris here
While we will be discussing Tony nominations in the morning, there's also some excitement going on across the pond: the first London revival of Angels in America. Any revisit to Tony Kushner's masterpiece merits our highest enthusiasms, so let's pore over the first photos of the National Theatre production!
That's Nathan Lane as Roy Cohn to your left, a casting choice that I still argue is somewhat strange. However if there's a few necessary things Lane brings to the table, it's 1) his towering stage presence in roles that could swallow lesser actors whole and 2) impeccable comic chops - in Kushner's own notes, the play dies if its humor gets ignored.
If nothing else, it should be a small thrill to see a legend try to stretch their range onstage.
Russell Tovey however feels like a perfect choice for closeted Joe Pitt. And not just for his masc persona, but for his wordless ability to convey emotional and sexual longing. Slightly off-topic: something either very interesting or ugly is going on with the set design. Either way, I don't think it's conveyed well in a photo.
Of course, most eyes will immediately hover on Andrew Garfield as Prior Walter, both for the post-Oscar nom afterglow and the role's heavy lifting. Will Emma Stone show up for support like he did for her Cabaret run, I wonder?
Louis and Belize's (here played by James McArdle and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) battles are the play's Exhibit A in the defense against any claims that the text is showing its age. Race, religion, intersectionalities, and our own myopias are all right there on the page. Interesting how Kushner also has a few things to say about the difference between outrage culture and living struggles.
"You and your boner can depend on me."
You'll remember the production will be broadcast in theatres this summer as part of National Theatre Live, so those of us not lucky enough to see the revival in person will be able to see it in some format. Angels in America plays throughout the summer and more photos can be found here! If any readers have tickets or have seen it already, tell us you thoughts in the comments!
Reader Comments (8)
a) I've always felt the play reads with humour, but I don't think I realized how funny it was until I saw it at the RNT with a crowd, I can think of three or four instances that the performers stopped a little longer then they expected for the laughter do die down.
b) The casting is across the board, balls to the wall, flat-out amazing. James McArdle cues into Louis' weaknesses so brilliantly but without losing the rage or comedy that powers the role (he gets a lot of the laughs from his line readings). Nathan Lane is terrific - especially in Perestroika (the scenes with Roy and Ethel have always been among my favourites, and they're done particularly well here). Andrew Garfield is AMAZING. The double break-up scene is an acting masterclass.
c) The best I can say is that I paid for Standing Room Only for a two play day that totaled, in the end, 7 and 1/2 hours. While I have no doubt they'll trim the running time a bit (Perestroika is always a bit of a behemoth to tame) I can say I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
oh chris, how can you forget the actressexuals? here, of all places??
who is playing harper? and hannah? and the angel?
National Theatre Live dates (for those who can't get to London):
July 20 - Part 1
July 27 - Part 2
Why oh why, can't Broadway do this too???
National Theatre Live dates for those who can't get to London (or afford tickets):
July 20 - Part 1
July 27 - Part 2
Wish Broadway would do this!
Denise Gough is "Harper" -- I expect she'll be a name we'll be talking about on this site one of these days on the film side, for sure.
Have my tickets to see it on screen! So excited.
I would be really surprised if this does not transfer to Broadway, considering the high-profile cast and the impending 25th Broadway anniversary.
@par
Susan Brown plays Hannah Pitt. Denise Gough plays Harper. Amanda Lawrence plays the Angel/Nurse.