Broadway Breakdown: Final Episode on "Angels in America" with Robert W. Schneider
Release Date: March 13, 2025
In the concluding episode of the "Angels in America" series, host Matt Koplik is joined by returning guest Robert W. Schneider to delve deep into Tony Kushner's seminal work, Angels in America. This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the play's rich history, diverse interpretations, and enduring legacy in American theater.
Introduction to "Angels in America"
Matt introduces the episode by expressing his admiration for Angels in America and his efforts to immerse himself in its various productions. He recounts watching the original 1994 production at the library, highlighting his fascination with Kushner's revisions, especially in the "Perestroika" segment.
Quote:
"Perestroika is infamously the one part that has been fucked with the most over the last 30ish years."
— Matt Koplik [05:13]
Evolution of the Play
Robert and Matt discuss the play's extensive development history, noting Kushner's prolonged workshop periods and multiple venue performances before its Broadway debut in 1993. They touch upon Frank Rich's influential review, which amplified the play's anticipation and significance in the theater community.
Quote:
"It was very important to me to see that production because this is also my favorite play."
— Matt Koplik [05:09]
Comparative Analysis of Productions
The conversation shifts to comparing various productions of Angels in America, including the Broadway version, the National Theater rendition, and the HBO miniseries. They analyze how different interpretations affect the play's reception, particularly focusing on casting choices and directing styles.
Quote:
"Angels is always going to be far in a way the best. Just the best."
— Robert W. Schneider [16:15]
Matt critiques the HBO adaptation for its more mainstream approach, contrasting it with the original's theatrical grandeur and intricate set designs.
Quote:
"I'd love it if there was a slew of various viewpoints."
— Robert W. Schneider [74:39]
Character Deep Dive
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the play's complex characters:
-
Roy Cohn: Robert emphasizes the need for an actor who embodies Roy's primal and fearless nature, akin to Ron Liebman's portrayal.
Quote:
"I'm looking for somebody who's visceral and raw and there's no fear in this person."
— Robert W. Schneider [85:21] -
Prior Walter: The discussion highlights Prior's ethereal quality and his role as a visionary, requiring an actor with fierce intelligence and an otherworldly presence.
Quote:
"There's an ethereal quality about it. You have to genuinely believe that this guy is fully on board with all of this."
— Robert W. Schneider [86:24] -
Lewis Ironson: Matt and Robert explore the complexities of Lewis, seeking an actor who can portray his musicality and emotional turmoil.
Quote:
"He's the epitome of sharing on his story."
— Matt Koplik [49:32] -
Belize: Celebrating Jeffrey Wright's portrayal, they discuss Belize's multifaceted character—intelligent, articulate, and humorously lethal.
Quote:
"Belize is a character that has come under scrutiny before... Belize is incredibly funny."
— Matt Koplik [97:13] -
Harper Pitt: The duo examines Harper's vulnerability and strength, contrasting different portrayals by Marcia Gay Harden and Mary Louise Parker.
Quote:
"Hannah is a survivor. If anybody in the show is a survivor, I think it's her."
— Robert W. Schneider [113:08]
Themes and Impact
Robert and Matt reflect on the play's universal themes—marriage, power, politics, and the human condition—emphasizing its status as a timeless American masterpiece. They argue that Angels in America transcends being a "gay play," offering a prism through which diverse audiences can find resonance.
Quote:
"The best theater... can make them have a similar experience, can make them feel a similar way about the same story, different ways about the same story."
— Matt Koplik [73:10]
Casting Insights
Robert shares his vision for casting roles in a hypothetical production:
- Roy Cohn: A raw and fearsome presence, similar to Ron Liebman.
- Prior Walter: An ethereal and intelligent actor, embodying a visionary spirit.
- Lewis Ironson: A "jazz musician with words," someone who exudes musicality and emotional depth.
- Belize: An articulate truth-teller with a blend of intelligence and humor.
- Harper Pitt: A strong, vulnerable character who embodies resilience.
- The Angel: A role demanding a balance of grandeur, Shakespearean elements, and humor.
Quote:
"A jazz musician with words."
— Robert W. Schneider [87:05]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Matt and Robert emphasize the play's enduring relevance and its ability to foster deep, meaningful conversations among diverse audiences. They advocate for productions that honor the play's complexity and avoid oversimplification.
Quote:
"The best plays can reach across the stage to people who maybe it's not about and go, you won't understand every nuance of this, but this will affect you."
— Matt Koplik [73:10]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"Perestroika is infamously the one part that has been fucked with the most over the last 30ish years."
— Matt Koplik [05:13] -
"It sounded great. And then when you said area date before we started recording, I looked up what the word meant..."
— Matt Koplik [02:38] -
"Angels is always going to be far in a way the best. Just the best."
— Robert W. Schneider [16:15] -
"Lewis is the modern equivalent of Lewis. Is everyone who posts on Instagram something politically but then never does anything about it?"
— Matt Koplik [44:46] -
"You don't have to copy what Kushner did, but trusting the audience to understand that not everything works out perfectly..."
— Robert W. Schneider [49:56] -
"She has to be like a second skin to whoever's playing it."
— Matt Koplik [85:06] -
"Belize is a character that has come under scrutiny before... Belize is incredibly funny."
— Matt Koplik [97:13]
Final Remarks
The episode not only celebrates Angels in America but also provides valuable insights into its characters, themes, and the intricacies of its productions. Matt and Robert's passionate discussion underscores the play's monumental place in Broadway history and its lasting impact on audiences and theater practitioners alike.
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