Torch Song (NYC)

See it if You saw the off Broadway show it’s actually gotten better! If you missed it DO NOT MISS THIS! Heart achingly real and super funny-like life.

Don't see it if You’re homophobic.

See it if you’re interested in LGBTQ issues, or are looking for masterful performances and writing with much humor and resonance. Urie and Ruehl!!!

Don't see it if you have trouble sitting through long shows. This is nearly 3 hours, but you may not even notice.

See it if living life and looking for love. Its funny and sad.

Don't see it if if gay theme bother you. No open mind.

Also Michael Urie as Arnold is funny. Laughed alot thru out the show. The part with his mother is very sad and heartbreak.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a play that deals with A gay man that wants love but can never truly find it

Don't see it if If you are bothered by an over the top flamboyant lead character

Also This play actually made me angry. I feel like it sets gay people back 20 years. I feel like there are people who live in the middle of this country that think all gay people are over the top, flamboyant and work as drag queens. All the gay people that I surround myself with are just people some of them are CPAs some of them are doctors and yes some of them might be drag queens but not all of them are. The lead character in this play is the most unlikable character I have seen on a stage in years. It drives me crazy when I see gay people portrayed this way in entertainment. One of the reasons I loved the play Daniel’s husband so much is because I like the way those gay characters were portrayed. I have no idea why the two females had on hideous wigs. I also don’t believe that a woman in 1971 would be OK to learn that her husband had relationships with men. And the whole adoption thing is just way over-the-top and unrealistic. There were way too many cheesy jokes... Read more Read less

See it if love the script, Michael Urie, or Mercedes Ruehl, remember 70s scene, want to hope, remember the original production, need show about family

Don't see it if can't tolerate LGBTQ themes, hate dragqueens, can't pay attention for 3 hours+, think UR seeing Harvey Fierstein, can't think of possibility

See it if you'll enjoy terrific performances in this ground breaking work.

Don't see it if you object to LGBTQ themes.

See it if Michael gives his usual spot-on, hilarious performance. He makes the part all his own. Funny and touching. Wonderful dialogue.

Don't see it if Mercedes is also excellent. Loved the supporting cast. Audience rapport was palpable. A pre-AIDS period piece that still resonates.

See it if specifically about gay issues but really has universal theme of wanting love & acceptance - throughout the play but esp. sad in family drama

Don't see it if almost 3 hours & drags in the 2nd part 'Fugue in a Nursery' (which comes before intermission).

Also Michael Urie & Mercedes Ruehl were excellent in both delivering their hilarious lines and their touching ones.... Read more Read less

See it if Heartwarming portrayal of love & heartbreak set in NYC’s gay lifestyle of 1971-1980. Every line is milked for a range of emotions.

Don't see it if 2 tiny caveats: wish Michael Urie did less Harvey Fierstein & more himself (but is still great) & Jack DiFalco is now too old for role

See it if a profoundly-sensitive, intelligent, humorous, sometimes-bawdy show by Harvey Fierstein, brought to life by a perfect ensemble, excites you.

Don't see it if you dislike stories about homosexuality or that have moments of quite frank talk; need a neat-and-tidy resolution; can’t commit to 3 hours.

Also If you can’t find a piece of yourself somewhere in this play, you’re not watching it right. Torch Song (off-Broadway) was one of my favorite 2017 shows. In the Broadway transfer, touching performances, heartbreaking imperfection of the lives displayed, and intelligent wit and wordplay remain. I very seldom see a show more than once (due to costs—if I can afford a ticket, I’d rather see something new). But I would see TS a third time, if only the run hadn’t, sadly, been cut short. There’s something special about it—the exceptional Michael Urie’s Arnold Beckoff isn’t just a gay man in 1971-1980 New York, trying to navigate his homosexuality (despite what his mother, played brilliantly with wit and sass and flaws by Mercedes Ruehl may believe). Arnold is any dreamer, romantic, and hopeful trying to carve a life of respect, love, and joy. If you’ve not seen it, and have three (fast-paced) hours to spare, go see, enjoy, and love it. Let Torch Song find a little place in your heart and mind.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a funny story with an amazing Michael Urie. His physical humor alone is worth the ticket. Mercedes is the consummate Jewish mom!

Don't see it if You do not like LGBT stories -but you’d be missing out on a great time and an amazing cast.

Also I saw this last season off-Bway during its Kiser run. I loved it then and it has only improved now!... Read more Read less

See it if Good acting in a well-made play that is funny and pulls on one's heart strings at the same time.

Don't see it if not interested in the topic or parent/child relationships. a bit dated.

See it if Should be required watching for every gay! Humorous journey of how he's proud of himself and fights to receive love and respect from others.

Don't see it if Out and proud homosexuals scare you. Drag queen humor falls flat for you.

Also Ticket from TodayTix for $32.50. Farthest corner seat in the mezzanine though.... Read more Read less

See it if You missed this play off Broadway. It's one gay man's coming of age story that ends up being universal.

Don't see it if You're not interested in seeing how one gay man accepts himself.

Also Michael Urie is incredible as Arnold. He's a delight to watch.

See it if You think hilarious and serious go hand in hand. You haven't seen enough plays about gay men in the 70s and 80s.

Don't see it if Definitely worth seeing, but it does get fairly intense.

See it if you want to see a play that will make you belly laugh to crying at the end of the play.

Don't see it if n/a

See it if you want to see brilliant performances by the entire cast, led by Urie and Ruehl. Though dated in time, the story remains relevant.

Don't see it if you aren't interested in LGBTQ issues or history

Also Saw the off-Broadway production and loved it, but the Broadway production was even tighter and even better. Changes were subtle but evident. Characters felt real and genuine.... Read more Read less

See it if you didn't see it in 1982, are a fan of Michael Urie & Mercedes Ruehl. More of a wake up call in '82, it is still a fun show.

Don't see it if you prefer musicals or aren't ready for another show about gay men, however clever and funny it may be

See it if you have never seen Torch Song before. Michael Urie was superb and the show was extremely moving. Required viewing for serious theatergoers.

Don't see it if you cannot sit through long plays. It is extremely dated yet still relevant. The play has some truly tragic moments, not just a comedy.

See it if You want to see the dynamics between gay, bisexual and straight find acceptance. Arnold and his interaction is the key in the play.

Don't see it if You don’t like lgbqt issues. You only see in black and white on issues. This show makes you think.

See it if Scoring for 3 acts is 75, 85, 95 with more weight to superbly nuanced 3rd act which makes this a must see for cast and script

Don't see it if so many over the top jokes in acts 1 and 2 almost make it seem like a different piece than the superb act 3

See it if you want to be thoroughly entertained. The entire cast is superb with a special shout out to Michael Urie and Mercedes Ruehl

Don't see it if I can't think of any reason not to see it. I hope to see it again.

See it if you love stories about love, family and finding yourself among loss.

Don't see it if LGBT story lines or explicit references bother you.

See it if you’d enjoy a hilarious exegesis on shame and identity.

Don't see it if the legroom in the Hayes Theatre will end your life in three hours.

Also Urie is a young Kevin Kline. Physical comedy, specificity, and vulnerability to boot. Ruehl, as expected, is majestic and a privilege to watch.... Read more Read less

See it if Urie & Ruehl are terrific. Good cast all around. Strong story about relationships &family as well as portraying life for 70s lgbtq community

Don't see it if Actor playing teen seemed too old but he did have the right sassyness for the role. Combo of drama with comedy, some of 2nd half predictable