The New York Times - November 16, 1986
Leah D. Frank

As recent articles and television specials inform us, we have not learned much more about AIDS since this play made its debut in March 1985 at the renowned Circle Repertory Company in Manhattan. Although "As Is" is about the AIDS epidemic, it is primarily about how two frightened men find the courage to reaffirm life in the face of the inevitable.

Although the play is a tragedy, it is also a sterling dramatic entertainment, and its scenes are filled with laughter through the tears, jokes through the pain, and love in the face of odds that are truly insurmountable.

The story revolves around Rich, a young writer who is just beginning to garner respect in literary circles, and his former lover, Saul, a noted photographer. Rich has recently ended his long-term relationship with Saul to move in with callow but handsome Chet.

Within a few months of leaving Saul, Rich finds out he has AIDS. Chet panics and deserts Rich, and the only person who is willing to take care of Rich is Saul, who still loves him.

"My future isn't promising," Rich says, but Saul reassures him, saying, "I'll take you as is."

Although the play is a harsh, unsparing look at a certain life style, and its language is stronger than many audiences are accustomed to, it is at its heart a deeply moving love story that defines the very essence of all love, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

We watch as Rich's terminal illness affects not only Saul, but also Rich's conservative brother, Rich's and Saul's friends, the hospital and hospice employees and society in general. This is a disease, Mr. Hoffman is saying, that affects all of us and that will continue to do so apparently for a long time. It is a hard heart, indeed, that will remain unmoved by this play.

In the production, Jeff Romano imparts to the dying Rich a dignity and joy of life that makes his death all the more senseless. The feisty Saul is played by Philip Thron with perhaps too much understatement. But Mr. Thron nonetheless manages to convey Saul's love, compassion and humanity in this terrible situation.

The other actors play multiple roles ranging from Rich's brother, a hospice worker, doctors, pickups, drug dealers, friends, AIDS hot-line volunteers and other patients with AIDS.

Amy Ellison is very effective as a hospice worker, a former nun struggling with the meaning of life, death and an understanding of God. She also gives excellent portrayals of Rich's beleaguered business partner, a harried nurse and a mother who is informed that her young son has AIDS.

The director, Frederic De Feis, needs to continue to work toward achieving a smoother flow of the multiple scenes, which run over and through one another to produce a sense of an inexorable viral tide eroding the foundation of certain contemporary lives. He has also added a jarring, ridiculous piece of heroic music that is intended to underscore a stirring monologue by Rich, but merely intrudes on the drama of the moment.

At the end of the play, a representative of the Long Island Association for AIDS Care, a group geared to helping AIDS victims and their families, gives a short speech about AIDS on Long Island, answers questions about the disease and appeals for volunteers to visit patients, form support groups and assist educational programs.

"As Is" - which, if nothing else, will provide a better understanding of AIDS, its causes and its effects -will continue at the Arena Players Main Stage Theater in East Farmingdale through next Sunday.

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