Little Theatre of Fall River's 'The Normal Heart,' honors lives lost to AIDS

FALL RIVER — The Little Theatre of Fall River ’s latest production honors the lives lost during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

Earlier this year, Little Theatre teamed up with The Narrows Center for the Arts for a production of “ Jesus Christ Superstar ,” which was a sold-out success.

Now, Little Theatre if back at The Firebarn, presenting Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart.”

Both the show and a special display will honor those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.

With the show coming up soon, you won’t want to wait to get your tickets.

Here’s everything you need to know, before you go:

Little Theatre of Fall River presents Larry Kramer’s ‘The Normal Heart’: Show dates

The Little Theatre of Fall River will present their production of Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart” from Aug. 15 to Aug. 25, with performances held on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances will be held at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday performances will be held at 2 p.m.

Where will performances be held?

Performances will be held at The Firebarn, 340 Prospect St., Fall River.

What is ‘The Normal Heart’ about?

“The Normal Heart” is a drama that explores the early days of the AIDS epidemic, and its devastating impact on the gay community in the 1980s. Packed with intense dialogue and raw emotion, Kramer’s story confronts the political and social indifference of the time, showing how the crisis was initially met with fear and silence.

Originally published in 1985, it had a Broadway revival in 2011.

This edition features an updated version of the script, as well as notes on both the original production and the revival.

“A searing drama about public and private indifference to the AIDS plague and one man’s lonely fight to awaken the world to the crisis, ‘The Normal Heart’ was based on Kramer’s real-life experience,” Little Theatre’s website (https://www.littletheatre.net/thenormalheart) said about the show. “Produced to acclaim in New York, London and Los Angeles, the play centers on Ned Weeks, a gay activist enraged at the indifference of public officials and the gay community. While trying to save the world from itself, Ned confronts the personal toll of AIDS when his lover dies of the disease.”

‘The Normal Heart’ director and cast

This production is directed by Aaron Gendreau-Visco.

Gendreau-Visco leads an ensemble cast, including Cory David Santos, Jacob Sherburne, James Wheeler, Jason Gendreau-Visco, Jose Cabral, Dan Rezendes, John J. Nunes, and local TV and film actress, Pamela Jayne Morgan as Dr. Emma Brookner. In the past, Morgan has worked with Kevin Bacon, Keira Knightley, Paul Giamatti, and Jesse Eisenberg, among others.

Little Theatre of Fall River sponsors display of portion of National AIDS Quilt

In memory of those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, Little Theatre is sponsoring a portion of the National AIDS Quilt to be on display in the lobby during the run of the show.

“As a tribute to the resilience and bravery of those who lived through and died during the AIDS crisis, the Little Theatre of Fall River invites the community to engage in this vital piece of theater,” a press release announcing the production said.

Find tickets, and more information about Little Theatre’s production of ‘The Normal Heart’

Tickets are $25 for general admission, and $10 for children under 12.

For more information about this production, as well as Little Theatre of Fall River’s 2024 season, and to buy tickets, visit www.littletheatre.net or call the box office information line at 508-675-1852.

Kristina Fontes writes food and lifestyle features for The Herald News and the Taunton Daily Gazette.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Little Theatre of Fall River's 'The Normal Heart,' honors lives lost to AIDS