Kramer's Normal Heart to premiere on Broadway

Kramer's Normal Heart to premiere on Broadway Producer Daryl Roth will present Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart will have its Broadway premiere in a limited, 12-week engagement this spring. Joel Gray will direct the production, which bopens at the John Golden Theatre on 27 Apr 2011, following previews from 27 Apr 2011, and running through to 10 Jul 2011. This production comes on the heels of the recent sold-out, 25th Anniversary performance of The Normal Heart at The Walter Kerr Theatre, also directed by Joel Grey. Daryl Roth said, "The Normal Heart has the timeless power to challenge, inform, and create a place for dialogue and understanding in the way that only theater can. It is emotionally charged, moving, passionate and powerful drama at its best. It is time for Larry Kramer's unforgettable words to be heard on Broadway so that they may challenge us anew." "Directing the 25th Anniversary benefit performance was so satisfying," director Joel Grey added. "This longer Broadway run is a dream come true." Grey played the role of 'Ned Weeks in the original production of The Normal Heart at The Public Theater. This production brings Joe Mantello, as 'Ned Weeks,' back to the Broadway stage for the first time since his Tony-nominated turn in 'Angels in America' (1993). It will mark the Broadway debut of Emmy Award-winner Ellen Barkin, as 'Dr. Emma Brookner.' The cast also features John Benjamin Hickey as 'Felix Turner.' Additional casting, along with the complete creative team, will be announced shortly. The Normal Heart focuses on the early years of the AIDS plague in New York and the criminal silence of America's political and media powers in addressing the issue. There will be a series of talkbacks, immediately following Tuesday performances, that underscore the themes and historical context of the play. The upcoming schedule of guests will be announced shortly. A percentage of the production's weekly profits will be donated to a group of dedicated nonprofit organizations, including The Actors Fund and Friends In Deed, among others. In addition, a special partnership is being created with amfAR, about which its CEO Kevin Frost said, "We are very honored to be associated with this production of The Normal Heart , and look forward to its successful run on Broadway."