Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning plays became the defining theatrical events of the 1990s and were an astonishing mix of philosophy, politics and vibrant gay soap opera that summed up the Reagan era for an entire generation of theatergoers. This 2003 HBO adaptation, ably directed by Mike Nichols (The Graduate), provides a time capsule of the ‘80s and reveals the deep emotional subcurrents that give the play its lasting power.
The story centers around Prior Walter (Justin Kirk) and Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), a gay couple that falls apart when Prior grows ill as a result of AIDS. But disease is not the only thing invading Prior’s life: He begins to have religious visions of an angel (Emma Thompson) announcing that he is a prophet. Louis, who doesn’t cope well with suggestions of mortality, leaves and starts a relationship with Joe Pitt (Patrick Wilson), a closeted Mormon who works for Roy Cohn (Al Pacino) — the real-life right-wing lawyer notorious for his ruthless behind-the-scenes machinations. Add in Joe’s depressed and hallucinating wife Harper (Mary Louise Parker), his determined but open-minded mother Hannah (Meryl Streep), a fierce drag queen/nurse named Belize (Jeffrey Wright) and you have a work of genuine power. The miniseries went on to win a staggering 11 Emmys and numerous other awards.
Local veteran character actor Jerry Russell, who played Roy Cohn in Stage West’s unforgettable production of Angels in America in 1998 and ‘99, will be on hand to introduce the series’ second half and the cast of Fort Worth Opera’s Angels in America opera (which opens May 16) will also attend.
This film is not not rated but contains sexual situations, nudity, and strong language. 352 minutes
The Schedule:
2:00 PM – Part I: “Millennium Approaches” with two 10-minute intermissions
5:30 PM – Break for dinner. Wine, beer and light menu available for purchase in Modern Cafe
7:00 PM – Part II: “Perestroika” with two 10-minute intermissions
10:15 PM – Reception with the cast of the Angels in America opera at Esoterica, 941 Foch St.
Location: The Modern Art Museum Auditorium
Admission: FREE, but a $20.00 donation per guest would be greatly appreciated.
Reservations: Tickets may be reserved in advance by calling Tina Gorski at 817.849.2154 or e-mailing her at tgorski@themodern.org. Reserved tickets must be claimed by 1:45 PM on May 3 or they will be released for reissue. Any remaining tickets will be available at the Modern beginning at 1:00 PM the day of the event. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
