Second Stage presents a revival of Harvey Fierstein's Tony-winning comedy. Starring Drama Desk Award winner Michael Urie ('Ugly Betty,') and Oscar and Tony winner Mercedes Ruehl. More…
Equal parts comic and heart-wrenching, "Torch Song" follows Arnold Beckoff's odyssey to find happiness in New York. All he wants is a husband, a child and a pair of bunny slippers that fit, but a visit from his overbearing mother reminds him that he needs one thing more: respect. Join Arnold on this all too human journey about the families we're born into, the families we choose and the battles to bring them all home. Directed by Tony nominee Moisés Kaufman ("The Laramie Project," "I Am My Own Wife").
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 p... 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... Read more Read less
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 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 ... 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 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 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... Read more Read less
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 w... 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, c... 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 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 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 a tour de force performance from Michael Urie, in a role that should be owned by Harvey Fierstein. The whole cast was spectacular.
Don't see it if You want your revivals exactly the same. There were many tweaks and massive cuts. Don’t see it if you don’t like the gays. :) Lots of gays.
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 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