The Normal Heart

We are living in a time of political turmoil. Not a day seems to go by that we are not faced with blaring headlines of discrimination and injustices to people all over the country. It is during times like these that the arts are even more important in society because they can help us work through the hard times in their own special way.

Hearing our wounded cry are the folks over at the Chromolume Theatre, who are currently playing Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart." A story of fear, anger, love, loss and especially perseverance, the show will strike a chord in the broken hearts of so many Americans that are feeling lost.

"The Normal Heart" opened off Broadway in 1985. Since then it has won three Tonys and numerous other awards for the film version of the play, which premiered on HBO in 2014. Kramer's celebrated work centers around the rise of the AIDS epidemic in New York City in the early '80s. Fueled by negligent local and national politicians, and the mainstream media brushing the ever growing disease under the rug, gay activist Ned Weeks (Parker Mills) takes us on his difficult journey to try and awaken the world to the crisis.

Loud and outspoken, Weeks desperately devotes his life to the cause for four years, growing even more impatient as his friends continue to die around him. Regardless, all of the blood, sweat and tears shed during his turbulent fight do not prepare him for the devastating pain he feels when the disease strikes the person closest to him.

All of the actors involved in "The Normal Heart" deliver powerful and emotional performances. Led by the talented Mills, who gives the audience a compelling depiction of a man with inspiring drive and dedication, everyone on stage does his part in bringing the story vibrantly to life.

Ray Barnhart, who plays Mickey Marcus, and Alan Lennick, taking on Bruce Niles, are Ned's closest friends who fight alongside him ferociously. The trio often bump heads, mostly because of Ned's aggressive approach to the problem, but their individual devotion and personal attachment to the problem shines through their performances leaving the audience feeling their every emotion. Look for their dynamically impassioned work in the second act that will stay with you long after the curtain closes.

Director Marilyn McIntyre lived in New York when this disease was at its peak, when it was still a mystery and growing at an alarming rate. She lost friends, and her personal experiences inspired her to take this project on.

"These are confusing and disturbing times that we are navigating. We can either keep complaining if we can get angry and do something. [Artists] reflect the times, we hold up a mirror to the good, the bad and the ugly," she stated.

Her passion is evident in every directorial choice she has made in this phenomenal performance, which promises to take you on an emotional journey through heartbreaking reality.

The Chromolume Theatre at the Attic is a quaint little space with plenty of charm. David Mauer and Michael Skolnick present us with a minimalist set, which works lovely for a show with such a powerful directive. The actors and the overall message, make the play powerful in and of itself, and the set choices work to highlight the performances.

This show is a motivating force with a strong and relevant message. The cast and crew are both moving and inspiring, they will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. "The Normal Heart" is a must-see; so, go in with an open heart and let the performance awaken you to the problems of the past and present and especially to what we can all do to make a positive change in this world.

"The Normal Heart" runs through March 19 at the Chromolume Theatre at The Attic, 5428 W. Washington Blvd., in Los Angeles. For tickets or information, call 800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2816561.