Angels in America Question

[Glittergrrl]

Hi all! I’m planning a NY visit and thinking about seeing the first half of AiA. Could the first part be considered a stand alone piece or do you really need to see both parts? Thanks in advance. 

[TotallyEffed]

If you love it you can always read the second part or watch the HBO miniseries. Definitely don’t miss this one, even if you can only see half.

You will definitely ache to see part two though!

[BroadwayConcierge]

Part One is a masterpiece itself, but I can't imagine getting to the end and not dying to know what happens next. 

[Eliza2]

Definitely see both if you can. You won't regret it.

But if it's a choice of seeing just Part 1 or none of it at all, definitely see Part 1. 

[NievesG]

The ending of Part I is magnificent so you will find it hard not to want to see Part II. Seeing the angel at the conclusion of part I will absolutely take your breath away. I had to wait until the following evening and I could barely sleep! 

That being said, agree with above posts. See Part I if you can.

[EllieRose2]

See one or both, but at least experience one Act of this brilliant production.  

[IdinaBellFoster]

Try to see both parts if you can, but I believe Millennium stands as it's own play. 

[SamIAm]

The two parts were written and produced years apart. So, yes, the first part can be seen as a standalone, although I would echo the sentiments of others here. If you can see both, you really should. 

[TheatreRocks]

Part 1 is way better imo

[perfectlymarvelous]

I'll be the voice of dissent here and say that I personally believe the two parts are inextricable and should be seen together. 

[TotallyEffed]

And some people have “problems” with the second part but I find it absolutely brilliant and deeply moving.

[LuminousBeing]

I agree that you should see Part I over nothing at all, but I also don't think it works as a standalone, even though the original Part II opened a season later and the Tonys treated them as two plays. Part II is the direct continuation of the action and conclusion of the piece. For me, the "dinner break" between parts I and II couldn't go by quickly enough because I was just aching to see the rest of it. I can't imagine seeing Part I and knowing that you won't see Part II. Yes, there's the HBO movie, or you can buy the script, but THIS production's Part II should not be missed if you can possibly help it, if you're seeing Part I!

[Dancingthrulife2]

I prefer part 2 over part 1. It is a lot more poetic and dreamlike and also delves deeper into the characters and themes than in part 1.There is something in Tony’s writing that makes Perestroika so surreal and grounded at the same time, and I don’t feel it drags at all. In fact, I wish the journey could’ve been slower to allow room for more reflective moments. But you know, the world only spins forward.

[Dancingthrulife2]

I prefer part 2 over part 1. It is a lot more poetic and dreamlike and also delves deeper into the characters and themes than in part 1.There is something in Tony’s writing that makes Perestroika so surreal and grounded at the same time, and I don’t feel it drags at all. In fact, I wish the journey could’ve been slower to allow room for more reflective moments. But you know, the world only spins forward.

[antonijan]

See Part 2 in Berkeley, CA it's on til July https://berkeleyrep.instantencore.com/m2/app.html?v=171003&utm_source=Mogo&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=AG&utm_content=v1#tproduction/12033/title

[Glittergrrl]

Thanks for the responses, You pretty much confirmed what I thought you’d all say. Ok, I need to find a way to make this work. Thanks again.  

Unfortunately, California isn’t really an option for me. 

[antonijan]

Have a good trip!

[bearhorn]

Just saw both parts yesterday and WOW!  Part 1 (“Millennium Approaches&rdquo is a fully-realized play, but its very dramatic conclusion will make you want to see how everything concludes in Part 2 (“Perestroika&rdquo.  And the (almost) eight hours FLEW by!

[Glittergrrl]

bearhorn said: "Just saw both parts yesterday and WOW! Part 1 (“Millennium Approaches&rdquo is a fully-realized play, but itsvery dramatic conclusion will make you want to see how everything concludes in Part 2 (“Perestroika&rdquo. And the (almost) eight hours FLEW by!"

Oh man, you’re killing me! I’m dying to see it. It’s my boyfriend that’s the problem. I can’t get him to commit to both parts. Glad you enjoyed it. 

[LuminousBeing]

Go without him. You won't regret it, but he might. (I'm only being half-facetious.)

[PhantomOfFleetStreet]

Agreed. I go to shows by myself all the time, including this one. Both parts of AiA are not to be missed. Also try the lotto for part 2. It's really easy to win if you enter for separate parts.

[springwillcome]

I also agree. I went alone on Saturday and have never had a better theater experience in my life. Also, this show had one of the best audiences I've ever been a part of - every intermission I had someone to chat with and everyone was very friendly, excitedly saying they'd see me after the dinner break, etc. Probably because everyone there was there for 8 hours and clearly wanted to be there rather than the tourists and "I'll check it out I guess" people at more standard shows, I don't know, but a lovely audience. You won't feel alone at all. And it is absolutely worth it to see both parts. I went in counting it as two shows in my head but left feeling it's definitely all one. The end of part 1 just felt like too much of a cliff hanger.....I can't imagine waiting the full day that non-marathoners do, let alone never seeing it. But if you must, do just part 1 over nothing.But PLEASE try for both, you won't regret it!!!

[macnyc]

Has anyone bought AiA tickets on StubHub? I confused because it seems that the ticket price includes both parts, but the prices are very good, almost to good to be true. For instance, for performances Part 1 tonight and Part 2 tomorrow, the price is $39 (before fees).

 

[SamIAm]

I do agree that you would ideally want to see both parts but since they were written several years apart, obviously Part I stood on its own for quite some time. 

Now that the two are finished, it is hard to imagine stopping at Part I

[SamIAm]

Try to convince him to take the leap. It is a day of theater he will never forget and a production that everyone should see if they can