'The Normal Heart' at Circle Players

“The Normal Heart,” written by Larry Kramer, is winding up to its final weekend at Circle Players.

This largely autobiographical play focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City between 1981 and 1984, as seen through the eyes of “Ned Weeks,” Jewish-American writer, gay activist, and founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group.

Weeks favors loud public demonstrations to the quieter strategies favored by his associates, friends, and lover Felix Turner, who do not want to have the media spotlight thrown upon them. Their differences of opinion lead to frequent arguments that threaten to undermine their mutual goal.

In 2000, the Royal National Theatre named “The Normal Heart” one of the 100 greatest plays of the 20th century. In 2011, it won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Ed Faver of Roselle is director, and Fred Cuozzo of Green Brook is the producer.

The show features the talents of Brian Craig of Dunellen, F.J. DeRobertis of Westwood, Faith Dowgin of Spotswood, John Dowgin of Spotswood, Wayne Harris of Freehold, Rick Holloway of New York, Rudy Palma of South Amboy, Douglas Spaulding of Highland Park, and Michael Stratton of Union City.

"The Normal Heart" runs through March 17, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There will be a 3 p.m. matinee on March 17.

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The theater is located at 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway.



For reservations, call (732) 968-7555, or buy tickets online at www.circleplayers.com. ($1 per ticket discount online.) Tickets are $18 for adults and $17 for students and seniors. Sorry, no credit cards can be accepted at the theater box office, but may be used online.