Invictus Theatre Commits Entire Summer To Ambitious Production Of Angels In America
Invictus Theatre is set to open its ambitious production of "Angels in America" on Saturday, with performances scheduled until September 7. Artistic director Charles Askenaizer voiced his mix of excitement and anxiety about the monumental task of staging this Pulitzer-winning play, which addresses critical themes such as relationships, HIV, and Reagan-era conservatism. Despite its challenging subject matter, ticket sales have been strong, indicating substantial community interest. Michael D. Graham, portraying Roy Cohn, highlighted the show's enduring relevance, noting that it speaks to feelings of loneliness and crisis that resonate today.
The technical aspects of the production are highly demanding, featuring a scene with an unprecedented 200 sound and light cues. Askenaizer extended the rehearsal period to ensure the quality of the performance, with a total of ten weeks of shows following two preview weeks. This production marks the largest undertaking by Invictus Theatre since its founding in 2017. The excitement around the play underscores its cultural significance as one of the most impactful works in American theater history.