The Normal Heart

Shawn B. O'Neal shines as the complicated Ned Weeks in this production of Larry Kramer's play about the early days of the AIDS epidemic. With strong supporting performances from Chris Bogard, Mark Brown and Wade Lucas, the production offers a bird's-eye view of how community denial and government prejudice slowed the response to the AIDS crisis. The show runs long, though, due to burdensome set changes. F, Sa 8pm. Through 8/3. $12-$20. Closet Door Theatre Company at the Ooley Theatre, 2007 28 th Street; (916) 222-4932; www.closetdoortheatre.org.