Previews of Reviews for Torch Song Om Bway
In the exquisite new Broadway revival of Torch Song at present open up at New York's Hayes Theater, Michael Urie establishes himself as a fearless and compelling leading human — delivering a master-course in concrete one-act and dramatic authenticity that, in the play's almost gripping scenes, brings laughter and tears virtually simultaneously.
That's non an piece of cake feat, particularly considering how closely associated Torch Song is with its writer and original star, Harvey Fierstein. When the play premiered on Broadway in 1982 equally Torch Song Trilogy, Fierstein had spent years performing its 3 parts — "The International Stud," "Fugue in a Nursery," and "Widows and Children Start!" — separately effectually boondocks, building a proper name for himself along the fashion every bit the witty, raspy, boundary-pushing personality fans have come to know and dear.
Packaged together, critics and mainstream audiences praised the play for Fierstein's unapologetic look at gay life in the 1970s, told through the eyes of neurotic, forlorn drag performer Arnold Beckoff as he navigates his way through battles with fickle lovers, a judgmental mother, and his own self-esteem. The bear witness ran for nearly three years, won Fierstein Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor, and was later adapted into a 1988 pic.
It was just concluding yr when Fierstein decided to grit off Torch Song, with a 35th ceremony production that premiered Off Broadway at the Second Phase Theater. He trimmed down some of the text, shaved an 60 minutes off its running time, shaped it into a two-act, and handed Arnold's shoes over to Urie.
Some of those cuts (like Arnold'southward meatier monologues) are missed, though Torch Song'due south flame yet burns bright. This fresh production, skillfully directed by Moisés Kaufman (The Laramie Projection) and transferred hither a year later, shows that Fierstein'southward words are as poignant now equally they were and so. Information technology's equally if the piece was written at present, looking ahead rather than then, looking back.
While Fierstein's presence in this Torch Song still carries in his words, Urie's undeniable charisma (and ain unique vocal inflection) allows the testify to restart on its own. He's supported by a stiff supporting cast, all carried over from Off Broadway. Among them is the steady Ward Horton as Ed, Arnold'due south All-American, handsome bisexual lover whom he simply can't seem to quit; the bright Roxanna Hope Radja, as Ed'southward accepting girlfriend Laurel; Michael Hsu Rosen, hilarious every bit Arnold's delightful dim — and scantily clad — boyfriend Alan; and the Jack DiFalco, who infuses a burst of energy into Arnold'due south adoptive gay son, David.
Urie's most formidable of stage partners doesn't arrive until the show's 2nd human activity when Mercedes Ruehl steps onto the set as Arnold's uncompromising, overbearing female parent. The Oscar- and Tony-winning actress plays well with the jokes and really shows off her skills when she's sparring with Urie in the play's meatiest argue, over the conditions her character has seemed to identify on her unconditional love.
That'due south when Torch Song really seems to take hold of fire. Arnold wants his mother's total acceptance. She'southward willing to tolerate merely non validate his homosexuality. Their moments together are as bold as the neon lights shining on David Zinn'south set, and it'south impossible not to feel that aforementioned electricity in the theater. With the stakes loftier, Ruehl flexes Mrs. Beckoff's acid-precipitous tongue and unnerving determination with ease. Urie makes certain Arnold meets her crush for crush, stripping away his sass to bear witness that apple doesn't autumn far from the tree.
More merely an illumination onto incredible interim, these concluding scenes end Torch Song on a bittersweet note that helps ground this dramedy in reality. Arnold, smartly, isn't perfect — "You cheated me out of your life then blamed me for not being there," Ruehl's character says at i point, exposing her son'south biggest flaw in all of his relationships — only as the play ends, he's found peace in his journey by maintaining a hope that everything volition exist alright. And it's hard not to feel the aforementioned way about life when leaving the theater. A-
Source: https://ew.com/theater/2018/11/01/torch-song-broadway-review/
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