REVIEW: Torch Song Trilogy
To mark its 25th anniversary, the Darlinghurst Theatre Company has brought the gay camp classic Torch Song Trilogy back to life.
In 1982 Harvey Fierstein’s ground breaking play about a drag cabaret performer’s relationship with a closeted bisexual won two Tony awards for the Best Play and Fierstein himself was named Best Actor. While it may be easy to believe that the world has moved on from the bad old days of intolerance, gays still struggle to come out, straight parents still reject their gay children and queers are still assaulted for being different. More than just a revival piece, the current production at Darlinghurst’s Eternity Playhouse is flawless.
Actually three plays with two intermissions, the four hour show flies by in no time. Simon Corfield plays Arnold Beckoff (Fierstein’s famous signature role) impeccably, complete with the gruff voice and bitchy yet vulnerable demeanour. Tim Draxl plays Arnold’s awkward and closeted boyfriend Ed deliciously (his shirtless torso in the third play is riveting). Kate Raison plays the nagging, intolerant Jewish mother to perfection. The cabaret singing throughout the show is breathtakingly excellent: made all the more perfect by the music direction of the incredibly talented Phil Scott, who accompanies the performers from a piano on stage.
Thirty five years after the show opened to accolades on Broadway, Torch Song Trilogy remains as poignant as ever.
Until Aug 26. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $38-$54+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com
Reviewed by Lawrence Gibbons.
