Maryville College Theatre students prepare production of Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches

Taking place in the height of the 1980s AIDS epidemic, Angels in America features topics of sexuality, politics and spirituality all while maintaining a cunning sense of humor. This year’s spring APO performance will be a one part production of this two part play, providing audience members a sensitive story with a side of comedic relief. 

In addition to being a Maryville College production, Angels in America also serves as three Maryville College students’ senior thesis projects. 

Director of the show Andrew Hastings (‘25), is working alongside Anthony Fraser (‘26) who is working on his thesis in lighting design, and Colin Hood (‘25), who is playing Roy Cohn for his senior study in acting.

These students are working together to create a production that highlights their individual passions for the arts. Some of them shared what putting on Angels in America means to them. 

“I had known for a long time that I wanted to direct for my senior thesis, but

I wasn’t exactly sure what my artistic voice was at the time or what play to even do.” Andrew Hastings said.

“I knew, though, whatever I was going to direct needed to speak about the time that we

 live in,” said Hastings. “I was really inspired by The Laramie Project [last year] and knew I wanted to engage the community the same way that production did. I brought a few plays to my thesis advisor, [including] Angels in America. [I was] not expecting him to give it the green light.” 

Professor Andy Vaught currently serves as a visiting lecturer in Theatre, and is Hastings’ thesis advisor.

“Fortunately, Andy loves to push his students to produce art that inspires them,” praised Hastings. “He said he would support it every step of the way. I brought the play to some other students and once they were on board, we decided to produce the play under Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honors society at Maryville College.”

Hood took the acting approach, bringing the true story of Roy Cohn to life on stage, while Fraser found himself drawn to the lighting and technical aspect.

“Being a part of Angels in America – like being a part of any show – makes me feel like I contribute to something much larger than myself,” said Fraser. “By designing lights, I have an opportunity to enhance the performance for other people and hopefully create a memorable experience!” 

Due to themes of sexual health and identity, politics and religion, this show is important in raising awareness and educating audiences. 

“I believe that theatre has the power to provoke thoughtful discussion in our community

and inspire people to social action.” said Hastings. “I would encourage anyone who has questions about the production to see it for themselves – we might be able to change your mind.”

Part of the story is based on Roy Cohn, a lawyer and prosecutor who served as Senator Joseph McCarthy‘s chief counsel from 1951 to 1954. Cohn was outwardly anti-semitic and homophobic, but it was later discovered that he died of AIDS in 1986, telling an impactful story about power and denial.

“Growing up in East Tennessee with gay parents made me acutely aware of how society treats people who don’t fit the traditional mold,” said Hastings. 

“The stares in public, the ostracization at school, and the hateful messages all contributed to this idea that love had conditions, that acceptance was selective and that belonging wasn’t guaranteed,” he added. “I wanted to produce art that defied these societal expectations around us.”

This is a significant time historically, and students at MC are feeling the effects of ongoing political changes. Some students feel that Maryville College is a safe space to be during this time. Hastings added that MC is a breath of fresh air and a community he was lacking before college.

“These last two years, with protests at the Blount County Pride parade and the increasing conservative sentiment, I wanted to try and put some love back into the community.” 

For Hastings, that love comes in the form of Angels in America. Audiences can take away a multitude of perspectives.

“I hope people can take away that what they don’t know about the people around them shouldn’t scare them,” Fraser said.

Hastings hopes that audience members leave the show with the knowledge of how the AIDS epidemic was seen societally, and how some of those views are still present today. 

“So much has stayed the same, it seems, the political turmoil, the search for hope in uncertain times,” said Hastings. “This play reminds us that history is not linear and that change is slow, painful and requires immense courage. It can seem easy to stay with the comfortable familiarity, but we have to change, we have to forge ahead – the world only spins.” 

Performances will take place on April 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m., as well as April 13 at 2 p.m. The show will be performed in the Maryville College Haslam Family Flexible Theatre in the Clayton Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at the Clayton Center box office, and are free for MC students, faculty and staff, though a printed ticket is required for admission.