The Ringwald Opens ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES Tonight

Tony Kushner's Angels in America is that rare entity: a work for the stage that is profoundly moving yet very funny, highly theatrical yet steeped in traditional literary values, and most of all deeply American in its attitudes and political concerns. Kushner tells the story of a handful of people trying to make sense of the world. Prior is a man living with AIDS whose lover Louis has left him and become involved with Joe, an ex-Mormon and political conservative whose wife, Harper, is slowly having a nervous breakdown. These stories are contrasted with that of Roy Cohn (a fictional re-creation of the infamous American conservative ideologue who died of AIDS in 1986) and his attempts to remain in the closet while trying to find some sort of personal salvation in his beliefs.

But such a summary does not do justice to Kushner's grand plan, which mixes magical realism with political speeches, high comedy with painful tragedy, and stitches it all together with a daring sense of irony and a moral vision that demands respect and attention. On one level, the play is an indictment of the government led by Ronald Reagan, from the blatant disregard for the AIDS crisis to the flagrant political corruption. But beneath the acute sense of political and moral outrage lies a meditation on what it means to live and die in a society that cares less and less about human life and basic decency. The play's breadth and internal drive is matched by its beautiful writing and unbridled compassion. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Angels in America is one of the most outstanding plays of the American theater.

Although the story is told over two full-length plays (Part 1: Millennium Approaches and Part 2: Perestroika), The Ringwald will present Part 1: Millennium Approaches (for now) for an exclusive 12 performance run.

Joe Bailey will direct a cast that includes Bailey Boudreau, Brenton Herwat, Chris Jakob, Genevieve Jona, Travis Reiff, Matthew Turner Shelton, Cara Trautman, and Jamie Warrow.

The production will be designed by Alexander Henderson Trice and Dan Morrison.

Angels in America Part 1: Millennium Approaches opens tonight, February 21 and plays through Monday, March 10 at 8pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday nights with 3pm Sunday matinees. Ticket prices are $20.00 for Friday and Saturday performances, $15 for Sunday shows, and Monday nights are HALF OFF the original ticket price at only $10 a ticket. All students can now receive a $5 discount off normal ticket price on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances (available at the box office the day of the show with valid student ID). Tickets can be purchased at www.TheRingwald.com or at the theatre box office. The Ringwald box office opens 45 minutes before performances and tickets can be purchased with cash or Visa/Mastercard.

The Ringwald opened their doors seven years ago on May 11, 2007 with Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy. Quickly, The Ringwald became a mainstay of Detroit's theatre community. Past Productions include: August: Osage County, When the Rain Stops Falling,, The Bad Seed, Making Porn, The Book of Liz, Rent, and Love! Valour! Compassion!. The Ringwald was named 2009, 2012 and 2013 Best Theatrical Troupe by Real Detroit and Best Place to See Local Theatre in 2010, 2011 and 2012 by the readers of Metro Times.

Angels in America: Part 1 Millennium Approaches

CAST:

Prior Walter played by Bailey Boudreau

Joe Pitt played by Brenton Herwat

Harper Pitt played by Genevieve Jona

Belize played by Chris Jakob

Roy Cohn played by Travis Reiff

Louis Ironson played by Matthew Turner Shelton

The Angel played by Cara Trautman

Hannah Pitt played by Jamie Warrow

Directed by Joe Bailey

Scenic Design Alexander Henderson Trice

Sound & Lighting Design Dan Morrison

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Friday, February 21 8PM $20

Saturday, February 22 8PM $20

Sunday, February 23 3PM $15

Monday, February 24 8PM $10

Friday, February 28 8PM $20

Saturday, March 1 8PM $20

Sunday, March 2 3PM $15

Monday, March 3 8PM $10

Friday, March 7 8PM $20

Saturday, March 8 8PM $20

Sunday, March 9 3PM $15

Monday, March 10 8PM $10