Milwaukee has been named one of five cities to host a special premiere of the new HBO film “The Normal Heart,” which features a cast of top actors including Kenosha native Mark Ruffalo, Emmy winner Jim Parsons, and Oscar winner Julia Roberts.
The film will air in Milwaukee through a partnership between HBO and Milwaukee Film, a nonprofit cultural institution that promotes the value of film. The special airing is slated for Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Landmark Oriental Theatre, located at 2230 N. Farwell Ave. in Milwaukee.
“The Normal Heart,” directed by Ryan Murphy of “Glee,” is based on the Tony Award-winning play by Academy Award nominee Larry Kramer. The film, set in early 1980s New York, traces the efforts of the gay community and medical community to expose the HIV-AIDS crisis to the nation.
According to HBO, Milwaukee’s commitment to network shows like “Game of Thrones” earned the city a special premiere of the film.
“Milwaukee has been identified as one of the top markets for ‘Game of Thrones’ viewership, (and) so we felt it was only like to bring a film like ‘The Normal Heart’ to a market with a proven following,” said Mike Hopper, HBO director of corporate affairs. “We are excited to be partnering with Milwaukee Film for the Wisconsin premiere and look forward to a continued relationship to feature our programming in front of a savvy film community.”
“The Normal Heart” is also debuting in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston and San Francisco before it airs on HBO on May 25.
Tickets to the show are available exclusively to Milwaukee Film members and advocates by invitation only, according to the nonprofit. For more information, visit www.mkefilm.org.
