Local actors enlighten with hometown production of Tony Award-winner
In an effort to spread awareness and present fantastic community theatre for Bozeman audiences, a troupe of local actors have fused their talents for an upcoming production of Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches. The shows are set for March 11th–20th at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture’s Crawford Theater. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7pm, followed by a Sunday matinee at 2pm.
Set in 1985, Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches, revolves around six New Yorkers whose lives intersect. At its core, it is the fantastical story of a gay man with AIDS who is visited by an angel. The play explores a wide variety of themes, including Reagan era politics, the spreading AIDS epidemic, and a rapidly changing social and political climate. There is a distinct timeliness and relevance to the play as our nation grapples with a new, deadly communicable disease and the consequences of significant political upheaval.
“…A watershed drama, the most lyrical, ambitious augury of an era since Tennessee Williams… Brilliant, maddening, and necessary…” – New Yorker
“The most influential American play of the last two decades.” – New York Times
“The greatest American play of the waning years of the twentieth century.” – Chicago Tribune
Directed by Cara Wilder, Angels in America features a cast including Michael Beehler, Meriweather Campbell, Jenna Ciralli, Daniel Erickson, John Henry Haseltine, Peggy Jensen, Nnamdi Kanaga, Nadia Mell, Alex Miller, Aaron Murtagh, Mary Orr, Aaron Schuerr, Isabel Shaida and Rabbi Ed Stafman.
The local rendtion is based on Tony Kushner’s Tony Award-winning play of the same name. These performances mark the first-ever, semi-professional production of Angels in America in Montana. Organizers endeavored to create an important theatrical production, but also an Awareness Event in support of our Queer friends and neighbors in all corners of the state – those who have lived in fear because of who they are and are more marginalized now than ever due to the recent strong shift in state politics.
The Awareness Event will take place in the Emerson Ballroom before performances and during intermission, and will feature information from various local LGBTQ+ and public health organizations. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase, as well as education, fun and fellowship. All are welcome and encouraged to join!
Advanced tickets for Angels in America range $12–$22 and are available at www.eventbrite.com, or $25 at the door on performance nights as available. This play is suitable for ages 16+ due to strong language and adult situations. •
