‘Torch Song Trilogy’ (Press, 19 May 1986)
This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.
Summary: ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ (Press, 19 May 1986)
The review for "Torch Song Trilogy," written by Harvey Fierstein and directed by Tony Taylor, showcases an impressive production at the Court Theatre that began on May 17, 1986. Reviewer John Farnsworth highlights the play's ability to elicit a rare standing ovation from the audience, noting its significant emotional depth and integrity. The play closely examines the life of Arnold, a New York nightclub drag queen, played compellingly by Stuart Devenie, and his complicated relationship with Ed, portrayed by Peter Elliot. Farnsworth appreciates how the production does not depict the homosexual experience as an alien world but rather aligns it with broader human experiences of love, commitment, and trust that resonate in both gay and straight relationships. The narrative unfolds through a trilogy structure, addressing recurring themes of heartache and societal challenges faced by its characters. The first part explores Arnold's life in the gay underworld through vignettes, the second delves into intimate relationships with a series of bold scenes, and the third confronts the prejudices of the straight world, particularly through Arnold's interaction with his mother. The reviewer commends the production for its combination of humour and poignant moments, attributing its success to Taylor’s sensitive direction, which skillfully develops the emotional arcs while navigating transitions from darkness to light. The performances receive high praise, particularly Devenie's portrayal of Arnold, which is described as charming and deeply honest. Elliot's role as Ed is noted as one of the highlights of his career, with his chemistry with Devenie yielding some of the most touching moments. Supporting characters, played by Alison Quigan, John Pheloung, and Judie Douglass, enrich the narrative, adding warmth and depth to the exploration of relationships. Farnsworth identifies some minor design issues and mismatches with the "torch songs" featured in the production but asserts that these shortcomings are vastly overshadowed by the cast's energy and commitment. Overall, the review declares "Torch Song Trilogy" to be one of the finest theatrical productions seen at the Court Theatre in recent years and highly recommends it to audiences.
Important Information
The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact
The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand