PHOTO FLASH: Patrick Breen, Christopher J. Hanke, Patricia Wettig at Arena Stage Normal Heart Benefit

Cast members Christopher J. Hanke and Nick Mennell at The Normal Heart Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen) — Cast members Christopher J. Hanke and Nick Mennell at *The Normal Heart* Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen)

Arena Stage hosted a benefit performance of The Normal Heart at the Mead Center for American Theater on Monday, July 23 . Fundraising from the event will equally benefit Washington AIDS Partnership and Arena Stage.

The Normal Heart is the story of a city in denial and unfolds like a real-life political thriller as a tight-knit group of friends refuses to let doctors, politicians, and the press bury the truth of an unspoken epidemic. The evening will include a pre-performance VIP cocktail hour, intermission champagne toast, and a festive after party following the performance.

The Normal Heart stars Patrick Breen as Ned Weeks, with Luke MacFarlane as Felix Turner, Patricia Wettig as Emma Brookner, Christopher J. Hanke as Tommy Boatwright, Tom Berklund as Craig Donner/Grady, Michael Berresse as Mickey Marcus, Christopher Dinolfo as David, Jon Levenson as Hiram Keebler/Examining Doctor, Nick Mennell as Bruce Niles and John Procaccino as Ben Weeks.

For more information and tickets to The Normal Heart, click here.

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Cast members Christopher J. Hanke and Nick Mennell at The Normal Heart Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen)

Cast members Patricia Wettig, Patrick Breen and Michael Berresse with event attendees at The Normal Heart Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen)

Washington AIDS Partnership Executive Director Channing Wickham and Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith at The Normal Heart Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen)

Arena Stage Executive Director Edgar Dobie (center) with event attendees at The Normal Heart Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen)

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith addresses the crowd at The Normal Heart Benefit at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
(© Kevin Allen)