A New York City reading of Larry Kramer’s Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play The Normal Heart, benefiting the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, is held January 14 at Shetler Studios in Penthouse 2.
Ryan Andrew Arthur spearheads the project, which is directed by Winn Kline.
“I wanted to focus my emotions from recent events in our country into something positive,” says Arthur. “This play is a strong, passionate symbol of a community coming together for a cause. It’s the perfect time for something just like this. A reminder of what the human race stands for. A reminder that we should all show human kindness and unconditional love.”
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., the 8 PM reading features Arthur as Felix Turner with Luis Eduardo Mora as Craig Donner/Examining Doctor, Jeremy Landes as Mickey Marcus, Eddie Carroll as Ned Weeks, Matt Greenberg as David/Grady, Kaitlin Noble as Dr. Emma Brookner, Nathaniel P. Claridad as Bruce Niles, John Vincent Bahrenburg as Ben Weeks, Michael Gioia as Tommy Boatwright, and Matt Petrucelli as Hiram Keebler.
A talk back with the cast and production team is held after the performance.
Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation for Gay Men’s Health Crisis. The reading is currently at capacity, but the wait list is still open, and donations are being accepted. Click here for more information; for those who cannot attend but still wish to donate, email [email protected].
The Facebook page for the event says, “We would like to dedicate this reading to those who have loved unconditionally and acted kindly as all human beings should. We hope this reading and the donations raised provide a positive chain-reaction.”
The creative team also includes Natoli Barbera (stage manager), Jen Sandler (artistic consultant), Arthur (producer and casting), Brandon Sammons (producer and house manager), Jennifer Rose Wilson (stage directions and dramaturg), Andrew Victor Myers (production assistant), Sarah Clausen (production assistant), and Georgie Castilla (production assistant).
Shetler Studios is located at 244 W. 54th Street.
(Updated January 14, 2017)
