
In my article for TDF Stages, I look at three new plays that focus on AIDS —
“The Inheritance” by Matthew Lopez, which begins performances on Broadway September 27, opening in November; and Off-Broadway both “As Much As I Can,” running at Joe’s Pub throughSeptember 16, and “Novenas for a Lost Hospital” at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater through October 13 — and ask
Why was there a gap of nearly a quarter of a century before new shows about AIDS graced mainstream stages? Why is it happening now? How do these works differ from landmark plays such as Angels in America, which Lopez calls “the urtext of my generation as theatre artists and myself as a gay man?”

I allude to the landmark original theater about AIDS on New York stages from 1985 to 1996. Here’s a partial list, with their opening dates, and whether they were on Broadway or Off Broadway
As Is by William M. Hoffman – Off Broadway March 1985, Broadway May 1985
The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer April 1985
Just Say No by Larry Kramer 1988
A Quiet End by Robin Swados 1985, but first produced Off Broadway in 1990
The Baltimore Waltz Off Broadway January 1992
Falsettos April 1992
The Destiny of Me by Larry Kramer October 1992
Angels in America: Millenium Approaches Broadway May 1993
Angels in America: Perestroika November 1993
Love, Valour Compassion by Terrence McNally Off-Bway 1994, Broadway 1995
Rent Off Broadway and then Broadway 1996