F.A.Q.

  • What is THE NORMAL HEART about?

    The story of a city in denial, THE NORMAL HEART unfolds like a real-life political thriller—as a tight-knit group of friends refuses to let doctors, politicians and the press bury the truth of an unspoken epidemic behind a wall of silence. A quarter-century after it was written, this outrageous, unflinching, and totally unforgettable look at the sexual politics of New York during the AIDS crisis remains one of the theatre’s most powerful evenings ever.

    This production followed the sold-out, acclaimed, 25th Anniversary staged reading of THE NORMAL HEART at The Walter Kerr Theatre, also directed by Mr. Grey.

    THE NORMAL HEART played its final performance on Broadway on July 10, 2011.

  • Who wrote it?

    Larry Kramer.

  • Who directed it?

    Joel Grey and George C. Wolfe.

  • Who was in it?

    THE NORMAL HEART starred Ellen Barkin (Ocean's Thirteen), Patrick Breen (Next Fall), Mark Harelik (Mrs. Warren's Profession), John Benjamin Hickey (The Big C), Joe Mantello (Angels in America), Luke Macfarlane (Brothers and Sisters), Lee Pace (Golden Globe nominee, Pushing Daisies), Jim Parsons (Emmy® Winner, The Big Bang Theory), Richard Topol (The Merchant of Venice) and Wayne Alan Wilcox (Coram Boy).

  • Did it win any awards?

    Yes. It received three 2011 Tony® Awards: Best Revival of a Play, Best Featured Actress for Ellen Barkin and Best Featured Actor for John Benjamin Hickey, in addition numerous other honors. Click here for the complete list.

  • Were there talkbacks for THE NORMAL HEART?

    Yes. Immediately following selected performances, distinguished members of the community led the TalkOut series of talkbacks that underscored the themes and historical context of the play. Click here for the schedule.

  • THE NORMAL HEART deals with important issues; did the production contribute to the community in other ways?

    Yes. The entire company of THE NORMAL HEART is deeply committed to the message of this play, and so a percentage of the production's weekly profits were donated to a group of dedicated nonprofit organizations, including The Actors Fund, amFAR, Freedom to Marry, Friends In Deed and Human Rights Campaign.

  • Where did it play before?

    THE NORMAL HEART was first produced by Joseph Papp and directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg at The Public Theater in 1985, where it ran for 294 performances. Joel Grey played in the role of “Ned Weeks” in the original production. The play received an Off-Broadway revival in 2004.

    This production marked the show's Broadway premiere, and followed the sold-out, acclaimed, 25th Anniversary staged reading, also produced by Ms. Roth and directed by Mr. Grey.

  • Is THE NORMAL HEART appropriate for children

    It may be inappropriate for 14 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

  • I'm not familiar with Larry Kramer. Will I like THE NORMAL HEART?

    If you like beautifully written, passionate, thought-provoking theatre that addresses important social issues in a moving and dramatic way, you will love THE NORMAL HEART.

  • Who produced THE NORMAL HEART?

    Daryl Roth and Paul Boskind

  • Where did it play?

    The Golden Theatre Theatre, which is located at 252 West 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. Click here for information about the theatre.

  • How do I get to the Golden Theatre?

    The Golden Theatre is located in New York City at 252 West 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue.

    Important Notice:

    Broadway is currently closed to vehicular traffic from 42nd St to 47th St. Please review traffic and transportation details (PDF) and allow extra time to arrive at the theatre.

    Most of the theatres are on the right side streets between 8th Avenue and Broadway from 44th to 53rd Streets. There are parking garages along the way. Please be aware, directions are subject to change due to detours, road/track work, etc.

  • Which subways are close by?

    Subways:
    A, C, E - To 42nd Street, walk North to 45th Street.
    N, Q, R - To 42nd Street, walk North to 45th Street.
    B, D, F - To 42nd Street (at 6th Ave), walk West, and North to 45th Street.
    1, 2, 3 - To 42nd Street/Times Square and walk North to 45th Street.
    4, 5, 6 - To 42nd Street, transfer to shuttle to Times Square and walk North to 45th Street.
    7 - To Times Square and walk North to 45th Street.

    You can also visit www.hopstop.com to plan your trip.

  • Where do I park the car?

    There are many parking lots in the neighborhood, but remember that curtain times create added traffic.

  • Do I have to climb stairs at the Golden Theatre?

    There are no stairs into the theatre. Where there are steps, the theatre is unable to provide assistance. There is neither an elevator nor an escalator available.

    Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. Wheelchair seating is in the orchestra only.

    The Mezzanine is on the second level, up three flights of stairs (28 steps). Please note: On the Mezzanine level there are approximately two steps down per row. Entrance to Mezzanine is behind Row D.

    There is no wheel-chair accessible restroom. Restrooms are located down two flights of stairs (19 steps). Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located in the Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

  • Is there an Assistive Listening System at the Golden Theatre?

    Yes. Reservations are not necessary, but please arrive early. Driver's license or ID with printed address required. If you would like to reserve a device in advance, please call (212) 582-7678.

  • Is the Golden Theatre wheelchair accessible?

    The theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible, but there are no stairs into the theatre. Wheelchair seating is in the orchestra only.

    Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps.

    There is neither an elevator nor an escalator available.

    The Mezzanine is on the second level, up three flights of stairs (28 steps). Please note: On the Mezzanine level there are approximately two steps down per row. Entrance to Mezzanine is behind Row D.

    There is no wheel-chair accessible restroom. Restrooms are located down two flights of stairs (19 steps). Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located in the Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue).

  • Does the Golden Theatre have air conditioning?

    Yes.

  • Is there a place in the Golden Theatre to buy a snack or a drink?

    Yes.

  • Is there a coat check?

    No.

  • Is there a lost and found in Golden Theatre?

    No. Inquiries about lost items should be directed to Telecharge at (212) 239-6200

  • How can I contact someone at THE NORMAL HEART?

    By email at thenormalheartbway@gmail.com