Laughs/Tears Permeate Arena Stage During Benefit Performance Of 'The Normal Heart'

SOUTHWEST -- The only thing that upstaged the laughter emanating from the Arena Stage’s state-of-the-art Kreeger Theater on Monday evening were the muffled cries of sorrow that soon followed, during a special revival performance of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart.

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith and Washington AIDS Partnership Executive Director Channing Wickham.

Set in New York between July 1981 and May 1984, the powerful play tells the story of a circle of friends struggling to contain a mysterious disease ravaging the city’s gay community. Full of love, anger, hope, and sadness, Tony Award-winning Normal Heart presents an eerie look at the sexual politics surrounding the start of the AIDS crisis in the U.S.

Last night’s show coincided, of course, with the biennial AIDS Conference taking place in Washington this week. And seizing the philanthropic opportunity and a supportive cast and crew, Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith used the occasion as a fundraising vehicle for the Washington AIDS Partnership (WAP), as well as the not-for-profit arts venue.

“The Normal Heart was written at a time when there were hundreds of AIDS-related deaths and no one was talking about it,” said Smith. “[And] today, D.C. has one of the highest rates of HIV in the country.”

Added Channing Wickham, Executive Director of WAP: “…the play is a timely and relevant reminder that the AIDS epidemic is still with us.”

After walking the proverbial red carpet, guests to last night’s benefit began the evening inside Arena Stage’s soaring atrium, during a VIP cocktail hour featuring signature pink martini drinks. But the real fun was saved for after the show, as ticketholders climbed the stairs to the second floor, for an ‘80s-themed dance party reminiscent of the time period of the play, complete with cast and crew.

Cast members join guests on the dance floor.

And the laughter once again soon returned.