Theater Review – May 10, 2026

“ANGELS IN AMERICA – PART II: PERESTROIKA” FOLLOWS PART I IN DAZZLING SCT PRODUCTION

“Angels in America – Part II: Perestroika”
Stray Cat Theatre, Studio Theatre, Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Stray Cat Theatre is presenting an outstanding production of Tony Kushner’s two-part “Angels in America.”  Last week they opened “Millennium Approaches” with a marvelous ensemble of fine local performers.  This week, the same acting company presented the second part “Perestroika” in a marvelously insightful production that darkens the play’s first half as we see how life’s implications impact people’s choices.

We discover that the closeted political operative Roy Cohn, a miserable person whose careless approach to his sexuality has rendered him with AIDS that he disguises as liver cancer.  While he learns of the only medication, AZT, and he squirrels it away but it is too late to save him.

Another cloistered gay man, Joe Pitt, turns away from his wife Harper to acknowledge that he’s attracted to Louis Ironson who has initially abandoned his lover, Prior Walter, who also confronts a serious AIDS case.  A minor “Millennium Approaches” character, Belize, turns out to be a caring nurse caregiver and The Angel makes several characters understand the reality of their complicated situations.

Neither part of the play is easy to watch but the reality of what it tells us about the life we lead and the choices we make is an amazing and reality placed look at how we can manage our existence.

Ron May’s impeccable production keeps the long play fascinating as the complex characters open their thoughts to themselves, each other, and the audience.  May has staged the multi-location play with an easy flexibility that makes it move with flowing purpose.  “Angels” has never been an easy play to stage but May makes his production work glowingly.

May is aided by a superb acting ensemble that makes each character rich, unique, and complete with their own thoughts and actions.  Louis Farber’s Roy is a masterpiece of bringing out this evil, maniacal maniac as he lives a vibrant and throbbing life.

Nathan Spector reveals Louis’ inner understanding of how shallow and superficial he has been with Prior while Marshall Glass exposes Prior’s complex understanding of his choices and the impact he has on those around him.  Devon Mahon’s Joe realizes that his true life is not what he has presented and Courtney Weir’s initial shock at the reality of Harper’s existence takes her in a new and more honest direction.  Michael Thompson’s Belize emerges from a more sedate existence to reveal that he really understands his diverse patients and their needs.  Nina Miller is the fearless Hannah, Joe’s mother, and Megan Holcomb allows The Angel to impart understanding of life’s nuances with determined sincerity.

Stray Cat Theatre’s “Perestroika” follows the remarkable “Millennium Approaches” in another perfect staging.  It is rare to see both parts of “Angels in America” performed in such a richly rewarding production.

“Perestroika” continues on May 13 and 15.  “Millennium Approaches” repeats on May 12 and 14.  On May 16, both parts will be presented with “Millennium Approaches” playing at 12:00 p.m. and “Perestroika” performing at 6:00 p.m.  To order tickets, call the Tempe Center for the Arts box office at 480-350-2822 or order tickets online at www.tempecenterforthearts.com.

“Perestroika”

Grade: A