The set for Angels In America in FSU's F. Perry Smith Theatre
This powerful play revisits the AIDS crisis during the 80's and its impact on the lives that encountered the fatal disease. Drugs, sex, and the in-the-closet man, all take major roles in the play as the audience observes the characters of Harper, Louis, and Roy Cohn. A collection of fantastical beings and ensemble members layer the play with depth and captivity.
Using the foundation of Tony Kushner's drama, director Dustin Shaffer creates a masterpiece. Shaffer recruited Theatre major Dana Harrison as Visual Consultant and Choreographer for his production. During an interview, he said that her work was part of the vision for his play and made sure she joined his artistic team. Alongside Assistant Director Hannah Blankenbeckler (an FSU student and theatre major) and theatre guru T.C. Kouyeas, Dustin Shaffer has assembled a powerhouse to construct his great work.
However, Shaffer still needed a few more people: the cast. The cast was chosen during FSU's spring 2012 semester. The actors were taken through a rigorous physical audition, only to be followed by a mentally draining round two. Shaffer insisted that this audition style was the only way to find dedicated, motivated actors, that could properly paint the pictures in the play.
From left: Kai B. White who plays The Angel & The Voice, Costume Designer Jennifer Clark, and Nick Carter who plays Louis
Assistant Stage Manager Shannon Newbury
Unforgettable characters such as the angel (played by Kai B. White), Belize (Khalil Bishop), and The Man In the Park (Shahzeb Hussein), thrust the play forward launching the audience over the sophorific nature of a live show. The ensemble, student actors Cody Gilliam, Jazmine Hackett, Nell Murphy, Shahzeb Hussein, Scott Turner, Khalil Bishop, and Kristen Demers execute robust physical acting mimicking the work of Bertolt Brecht.
Nora Grider plays the role of the valium addicted housewife Harper. Her counterpart is Jacob McDonald, who acts as Joe. In an on camera interview the two discuss what it takes to create a realistic relationship on the set.
The show opens this Friday, October 5th at 7:30 p.m. The show dates are October 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee viewing on October 6 at 2 p.m. The F. Perry Smith Studio Theatre plays host to the show, providing an intimate setting for the in-your-face action of the play. For reservations contact the FSU Performing Arts box office (301) 687-7462. Tickets are $6 for students, $12 for the general public.
Theatre Tip: Always familiarize yourself with the work BEFORE you see it. Read the play before you watch the show!
by Dana Harrison
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