Angels in America

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It's a hit!

A bizarre play, to be sure, but one with a lot of meaning and relevance to American culture (though as a contemporary work, that may slowly begin t... (show more)

A bizarre play, to be sure, but one with a lot of meaning and relevance to American culture (though as a contemporary work, that may slowly begin to fade). Keep in mind that the subtitle of this two-piece epic is, "A Gay Fantasia on National Themes" and you'll be significantly less confused. For all that it is a fantasia, though, and relies heavily on sensuality (ie, an angel that induces erection when it appears and orgasm when it leaves), it's a powerful play, with a compelling cast and deeply moving, poignant plotlines.
The play focuses on two American couples: one, a pair of gay lovers, the other a married Mormon couple. In both, someone (possibly two someones) desperately needs help. And in both, the other person can't figure out, or can't seem to be able to give it. Through dream sequence, quick-flung dialogue, and vivid caricatures (including one of a real politician, Roy Cohn), Kushner explores the meaning of abandonment and the interaction in America of the Right, the Left, and the Confused. It's a play that will make you smile, laugh, cry, and most importantly, it might just make you think.

The

The (show less)

 

 

by Nick Orvis

No, it's a flop!

This will be my first negative review. I am unsure what my strongest point of contentment is. I do not feel that reading this is playwright form ... (show more)

This will be my first negative review. I am unsure what my strongest point of contentment is. I do not feel that reading this is playwright form does this great work any justice.

Having witnessed this beautiful work of art in living form, this book failed on almost all levels to achieve what the live version conquered.

So my advice, burn the book. Do not waist your time reading these pages. Instead rent the movie.... or even better still see it live. I will have to research if it is still being performed anywhere.

Angels in America was the most watched made-for-cable movie in 2003 and won both the Golden Globe and Emmy for Best Miniseries. (show less)

 

 

by Robert R Chapin

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  Excellente pièce, très bien écrite, drôle, émouvante, poignante, grinçante. Personnages crédibles et qui forment un kaléidoscope de la société américaine des années 80s. Une réflexion sur l'engagement, sur l'amour, sur l'identité. Très bien. Et très bonne adaptation TV (avec un des derniers bons rôles de Paccino et plein d'autres acteurs que j'aime beaucoup).

   

   

  by Mathieu Ferradou on Nov 08, 2009 at 03:51PM

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  I laughed, I cried, I thanked God that I was only 3 years old during the Reagan era.

  It's deep glance into American culture with disturbing revelations. Angels in America is a compilation of two Kushner plays featuring a few gay men working in the Justice Department during the Reagan Administration... that's right gay men (some with AIDS) working in politics during the Reagan era. Kushner beautifully highlights many ironies in American politics and the tragic consequences of extremist ideolo... (show more)

  I laughed, I cried, I thanked God that I was only 3 years old during the Reagan era.

  It's deep glance into American culture with disturbing revelations. Angels in America is a compilation of two Kushner plays featuring a few gay men working in the Justice Department during the Reagan Administration... that's right gay men (some with AIDS) working in politics during the Reagan era. Kushner beautifully highlights many ironies in American politics and the tragic consequences of extremist ideology. I recommend this book to anyone living in America. (show less)

   

   

  by Rachel Dane on Jul 30, 2009 at 01:52AM

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