2 For 1 Thursdays-Normal Heart at Public Theatre of S. Florida

2 For 1 Thursdays - The Normal Heart at Public Theatre - Now through November 6, 2005.

Thursday Night is 2 For 1 Night
At Public Theatre

(Just say: "Larry Sent Me" when you reserve by phone
or come to the box office)

Join the Public Theatre For their Critical Smash Production of Larry Kramer's

THE NORMAL HEART
Directed by Steven Chambers

What The Critics Are Saying:

Ron Levitt, ENTERTAINMENT NEWS & VIEWS wrote:

The play has been re-created many times in the past 20 years  And,
this one -- in our midst -- is a humdinger! Director Steven Chambers
superb re-doing  of The Normal Heart, at the Public Theatre of South
Florida (at the Soref JCC AT 6501 West Sunrise Blvd,) is another
milestone for Producer David Jay Bernstein, for his 17th season
launching,  Not only is it a heart-wrenching, handkerchief-toting
experience as drama but  Chambers and Bernstein have taken great
pains to put together a praiseworthy cast.  Michael McKeever once
again proves why he is one of South Florida's major talents.  His
performance (as Ned Weeks) is powerful yet poignant and noone with a
normal heart can restrain from wiping  a few tears. His character is
bent on bringing attention to the sick and dying during an
atmosphere of denial and fear -- fear of being outed, fear of
losing  jobs, fear of losing their close friends.  McKeever 
captures the anger and disgust of someone wanting to bring awareness
to this terrible disease and who is stymied, both by government and
those who could be afflicted.  Mark A. Harmon, (as Felix, Ned's
lover)  is another standout performer, and in Act II, Tobin Strader
and Scott Wells  -as two activists, frightened but committed,
provide some of the biggest dramatic moments of this important play.
Strader provides his brilliant moments in quiet demeanor while Wells
shakes the stage (and audience) with his portrayal of a man scared
of losing his livelihood if he "comes out." Sally Bondi (as the
caring doctor) shows the empathy and passion which has made her a
South Florida acting legend,   Her "monologue" in the unseen
presence of a government physician  is an agonizing study in
futility in dealing with a closed-minded bureaucracy.  The rest of
the cast shines as well.  The ever-dynamic Doug Williford; veterans
Jack Frank Sigman and Kerry Sensenbach; Jerry Jensen; and newcomer,
an impressive Justin Red (you may know him as a radio reporter on
WIOD) all add to this shining dramatic ensemble. As you enter the
theatre and see the huge AIDS quilts  (on loan from The Names
Project) on three sides of the auditorium, you know this is going to
be a serious production.   It is! And, it brings its message home
with tremendous honesty.  The Normal Heart was a groundbreaking play
in 1985. It still is in 2005. Don't miss it!  It runs through Nov.
6.  For reservations (954) 537-3648.

Jerry Layton: AROUND TOWN wrote:

   The play is currently being brilliantly mounted at the Public
Theatre, one of the area's most daring and innovative companies. 
True to its mantra of "Laugh, Cry, Think," the play is an exercise
for the intelligent, concerned and involved theatergoer.  .  .  It
is a searing, blistering, roller coaster ride, played at breakneck
speed by a perfectly matched cast under a master director.  The
catalyst for the show's action is Ned Weeks, the author's alter ego,
magnificently played by actor/playwright Michael McKeever. . .  He
is remarkably abetted by a large and able cast.  Sally Biondi is a
wonder as wheelchair-bound Dr. Emma Brookner, the patron saint of
the early AIDS patients, the lone voice crying in the
wilderness. . .  Director Steven A. Chambers is to be complimented
for keeping a tight, controlling valve on the boiling passions on
the stage.  If you like theater that challenges and involves,  if
you want to see good theater flourish in our area, and if, above
all, you're a human being, go see "The Normal Heart."
 
The Public Theatre of South Florida
at The Soref JCC - 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd.
3 Traffic Lights West of The Turnpike

Performances are Thursdays at 8; Saturdays at 2 & 8; Sundays at 2
Through November 6 (Weather Permitting)

Online Orders May Carry a Service Charge
GENERAL ADMISSION Tickets $22 / $20 Seniors / $10 Students

OR Purchase a Subscription and Get a SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNT and have
THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE reserved JUST FOR YOU!!
3-Show Subscription - JUST $54
6-Show Subscription ONLY $102

For information & reservations: http://www.publictheatre.com or call
(954) 537-3648

For Subscriptions and Groups (10 or more): Please Call (954) 427-0784

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