Torch Song

Torch Song

Second Stage Theater

The Helen Hayes Theater

October 27, 2018

Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

I saw Torch Song Trilogy at what is now The Helen Hayes Theater thirty-five years ago.  I did not see Harvey Fierstein in the role of Arnold, but it was a memorable experience just the same.  What stands out for me watching the Second Stage Theater production of Torch Song, presently in previews on Broadway in the very same theater, is the writing.  Harvey Fierstein’s dialogue is astounding.  The way he unravels the action to reveal the depth of his characters is skillful and inspiring.  They state their hopes and dreams from the top of the show, then face their truths, fears, and obstacles to not only achieve them, but to accept them in the unexpected form in which they arrive.  Director Moises Kaufman has made the revisit of this phenomenal play a profound journey of hope, love, and self-respect.  

Michael Urie as Arnold
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

The play begins backstage in 1972 as Arnold (played by Michael Urie) is getting ready for a performance.  He is a drag queen.  He shares his secret wish, then he meets Ed (played by Ward Horton), the International Stud of his dreams.  Over the next ten years we see Arnold’s rough and rocky journey of making his dreams a reality.  Ed struggles with his sexuality and decides to marry Laurel (played by Roxanna Hope Radja).  Arnold’s young boyfriend Alan (played by Michael Hsu Rosen) is killed in a gay bashing incident outside their apartment.  Arnold faces his greatest emotional challenge when he confronts his mother (played by Mercedes Ruehl) and tells her he is adopting a gay teenager named David (played by Jack DiFalco).

Ward Horton, Jack DiFalco, Michael Urie, & Mercedes Ruehl
Photo courtesy of Second Stage Theater

Michael Urie’s Arnold is full of guts and heart.  It is a truly phenomenal performance.  His character grows over the duration of the play, yet he never loses his sense of humor.  This is Arnold’s core, how he copes, survives, and thrives.  Ward Horton delivers a fallible, flawed, and extremely likeable Ed, who never stops yearning for more, even at the expense of others who care deeply for him.  He and Mr. Urie are remarkable together.  Their relationship is full of fire and sincere understanding.

Mercedes Ruehl is sold and stoic as Mrs. Beckoff, Arnold’s mother.  The love she feels for her son is matched only by her inability to see past what she cannot relate to or accept.  The confrontation scenes between Ms. Ruehl and Mr. Urie are brutal, overflowing with honesty, and driven by the mutual need for acceptance and self-respect.

Roxanna Hope Radja, Ward Horton, Michael Urie,
& Michael Hsu Rosen
Photo courtesy of Second Stage theater

Jack DiFalco delivers hope as David, the soon to be adopted gay son of Arnold.  His optimism  and humor are infectious and drive each of his scenes.  Michael Hsu Rosen and Roxanna Hope Radja create genuine moments as Alan and Laurel during the “Fugue in a Nursery” scene before the intermission.  Their presence is strongly carried forward into the final act whenever they are referred to, even though they do not appear. 

This is a remarkable cast, brilliantly directed in a timeless piece of theatre.  Go see the Second Stage Production Torch Song at The Helen Hayes Theater for a good laugh… and a great cry. 

Domenick Danza