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Overview

Synopsis

A powerful, stirring drama based on the harrowing true story of the beginning of the AIDS crisis in New York City, and the gay men who fought with an entire political system to take their plight seriously. Based on playwright Larry Kramer’s own experiences founding the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York in the 1980s, The Normal Heart follows Ned Weeks, a reluctant leader but furious activist, as he campaigns for awareness, and tends to his own friends and lovers who are dying all around him. A strong indictment against ignorance, and a heartfelt story of love and compassion, The Normal Heart is a passionate and searing portrayal of a population at war, and a plague that nips at its heels every step of the way.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1985
Genres
Drama
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
new york city, 1981 - 1984
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
ensemble cast, lead male, professional theatre, college/university, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Ned Weeks

Lead

Male

Spoken

Mickey Marcus

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Dr. Emma Brookner

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Bruce Niles

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Felix Turner

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Ben Weeks

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Tommy Boatwright

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Craig Donner

Featured

Male

Spoken

David

Featured

Male

Spoken

Hiram Keebler

Featured

Male

Spoken

Grady

Featured

Male

Spoken

Examining Doctor

Featured

Either Gender

Spoken

Orderlies

Ensemble

Either Gender

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    The name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when the body's immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.

    The accepted generic term for the LGBTQ+ theatre movement.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher