Torch Song (Off-Broadway)

See it if You’re a friend of Dorothy...especially if like me you’ve only seen the movie and if you’re moved by gay issues, especially from the 80’s.

Don't see it if You’re homophobic or don’t care about gay subject matter.

See it if You want to see a star turn by Urie. It felt like two plays with the second act being stronger. Enjoyed it but expected more.

Don't see it if You don’t like kvetchy humor or gay themed shows.

See it if You like a period piece that was once more relevant then it is now.

Don't see it if You don't want to see something that deals with this issue.

See it if A reboot of Fierstein's 80's gay landmark dramedy Part history lesson part social study & all love story this song still sings. Urie's great

Don't see it if Kaufmann's direction gets a little slack in 2nd act where a lot of the editing is but ensemble carries the load. Reuhl galvanizes 3rd act

See it if You want to see fantastic performances. An important play.

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with homosexual themes.

Also Although the play is almost three hours long (one intermission) I was never bored. All the actors were compelling and the story interesting enough to keep my attention throughout. I had seen the original production with Harvey Fierstein in 1983, so it was interesting to see the changes and what I remembered from that production. I have a clear memory of Harvey Fierstein in the part and even after all the years, it was somewhat hard to shake that memory while watching Michael Urie play the role. Harvey Fierstein was incredibly memorable in the part!... Read more Read less

See it if You delight in the stage presence of Mercedes Ruhl; you appreciate the wonderful writing and emotion of Harvey.

Don't see it if you cannot help but compare to the original. Harvey's emotion felt real, while Urie's feels forced and over acted though lovable.

See it if you'd enjoy touching, sad, funny, terrific performances of a slightly dated piece that's just a little too long.

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

See it if You want to see top notch theater performed beautifully. Funny and poignant this tops my list for the year.

Don't see it if You don't like stories about homosexuality or unconventional families. This story isn't for everyone so go into it with a little background.

See it if Great performances. A look at a very difficult time for gay people, that is thwnkfully, over.

Don't see it if I found it hard to look at how difficult gay people’s lives were then. It was painful to watch how casually cruel people were.

See it if You didn’t see the original. If you want to see current truths viewed through a slightly dated lens

Don't see it if You don’t like openly discussed and demonstrated homosexual situations.

Also Michael Urie’s manic performance takes much of the pathos out of the piece. It seemed slow in the beginning but by plays end, I had bought into all the relationships. ‘Ed’ and ‘Lauren’ are able to take characters who would be questionably sympathetic and cringe worthy and give them dignity in their quest for answers. The editing of the Alan character from the top of Act2 again undercuts the pathos of the family which is lost.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a still relevant, funny, touching play with a marvelous performance by Mercedes Ruehl in the last ( & by far the best)act

Don't see it if you are not interested in gay themed plays.

Also I saw the original show with Harvey F. who fully inhabited the part of Arnold
You can see Michael Urie acting the part (and very well). It does make a difference.... Read more Read less

See it if Having seen Harvey in the magnificent original production ,this revival is unfortunately off the mark. The acting by Michael was a parody.

Don't see it if You are homophobic or remember Harvey's incredible performance the first time around.

See it if you'd enjoy a revival of a theater work that still deeply resonates without feeling dated (unlike The Heidi Chronicles, for example.)

Don't see it if I can't think of a reason.

See it if You want to see a lovely production of this WONDERFUL script. Moving and heartbreaking. Michael Uri and Mercedes Rules give great perf.

Don't see it if You are looking for light fare or a musical.

See it if you want to laugh, cry, and be a human being connected to a world that keeps on spinning beyond control, with humor and tragedy alike.

Don't see it if you can't bear the thought of a trimmer version of the Trilogy; are homophobic; dislike "heavy" dramas punctuated by humor; misanthropic.

Also An exquisite look at the life, loves, and losses of Arnold Beckoff as he pivots and pirouttes (sometimes literally) through 1970s-‘80s, Torch Song perhaps channels too much Harvey Fierstein. Yet, Michael Urie is so wonderfully engaging (luminous, even) from his first lines, in all his drag glory, it’s hard not to fall for the production. I can’t recall the last time I’ve experienced a work so fully committed to life, its joys, & sorrows. Torch Song is electric, unforgettable, eloquent, messy, and oh-so-human. While this is a trimmer version of the 4-hour original (at just under 3 hours), the show did not take long to wedge itself deep into my heart and stay there quite snugly. The writing is wickedly punny and funny, the pathos a blend of ferocity and fun, and the performances so real at times that I felt part of the world of the play. I didn’t want it to end. This is a touching story, a devoted cast, and an intelligently written and produced work I recommend to anyone with a pulse.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a heartfelt play about LGBT issues that are still relevant today. Both funny and heartbreaking at the same time.

Don't see it if You can still envision Harvey Fierstein in the role of Arnold. Michael Urie is great but too much whining in his delivery at times.

See it if you are a fan of actor Michael Urie.

Don't see it if you are using the show as a way for you to come out to your parents- it will prompt topics no gay man wants to discuss with their parents.

Also DISCLAIMER: In fall of 1985, I had the great good fortune to see actor P. J. Benjamin in a touring company of Torch Song Trilogy. His brilliant portrayal of the character of Arnold left a strong impression on me - a gay man. In this current production, Michael Urie is charming and venerable as the character of Arnold Beckoff, but in a less substantial way. It was good to see Mercedes Ruehl back on the stage after 2005’s Woman Before a Glass. However, I was disappointed with the others cast members who’s performances felt like they were phoned in. The only other highlight of the production was the innovative set. It should have been given its very own well deserved curtain call.... Read more Read less

See it if You adore Michael Urie (and who doesn't?), and enjoy heart-warming relationship stories.

Don't see it if You don't like stories about same-sex relationships.

See it if you want to see a near flawless script performed brilliantly. Urie and Ruehl are exquisite. I was invested from beginning to end.

Don't see it if you are not interested in LGBTQ issues or stories

Also I was blown away by this fantastic production. I wasn't too familiar with the story going into it and thought each part of the story would be more episodic and not as tightly woven together. The script was brilliant and touching and haunting. The performances were absorbing and riveting. I really can't say enough about this production. The staging and use of set was great and cleverly employed, especially in the second act. Despite the show's length (it ran about 3 hours), it never dragged and I never felt bored or uninvested. I hope this revival makes a transfer to Broadway and finds a larger audience.... Read more Read less

See it if You like great plays, good characters, snappy lines, sitcoms, and emotional pain.

Don't see it if You don't like more historical plays (with some dated references), monologues, or long plays with few characters.

Also Michael Urie is an absolute joy, giving an impassioned, exceptional, captivating performance.

The stakes feel real, the characters as real as memories, and the pacing didn't lag too much. Many of the funniest lines are delivered almost as standup, which is strange, but works almost every time.

The first act/play has the most interesting staging and scripting (like dialogue as monologues, and phone calls). The second was my favorite, in pacing and characterization. The final act/play gave perspective and catharsis, but I feel like maybe some cuts obscured my context.... Read more Read less

See it if Harvey Fierstein is a hero of theater and social issue. Mercedes Reuhl and Michael Urie. Missed the original.

Don't see it if Homophobic...actually, people-phobic. Looking for the Trilogy- something missing,

See it if Great revival by terrific ensemble especially Michael Urie and Mercedes Ruehl revealing powerful emotions behind the wisecracking

Don't see it if You have issues with family drama especially with a gay overtone

See it if you are a fan of Harvey Feinstein, you will enjoy this revival of one of his best plays.

Don't see it if you prefer heterosexual plays or musicals.

See it if You can forgive a play that feels dated at times but which ultimately proves emotionally resonant and rewarding.

Don't see it if You cannot abide someone stepping into Harvey,s shoes to play the lead role.

See it if you love Michael Urie and the incomparable Mercedes Ruehl; you like plays about gay men; you like Harvey Fierstein's honest approach

Don't see it if you don't like plays about gay men; you would be offended by simulated sex on stage