The Broadway revival of Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award-winning drama Torch Song, starring Michael Urie and Tony Awad winner Mercedes Ruehl, officially opens November 1 at the Hayes Theatre.
This new production, which Fierstein has streamlined into a two-act Torch Song—down from its original trilogy— began previews October 9 following an acclaimed Off-Broadway run last fall at Second Stage Theatre. Moisés Kaufman directs.
Urie stars as Arnold Beckoff, a gay drag performer who navigates both the liberation and assimilation of gay men in 1980s New York, as well as a back-and-forth plea for respect from his overbearing mother, played by Ruehl.
They are joined by fellow members of the Off-Broadway cast, including Ward Horton as Ed, Roxanna Hope Radja as Laurel, Michael Hsu Rosen as Alan, and Jack DiFalco as David.
After an acclaimed Off-Broadway debut, the original production of Torch Song Trilogy opened on Broadway in June 1982 and played an award-winning three-year engagement at the Little Theatre (now the Hayes Theatre).
Fierstein played the lead role of Arnold Beckoff, a gay drag performer in a tempestuous relationship with his bisexual, closeted lover. The play won Fierstein two Tony Awards—both as playwright (for Best Play) and for Best Actor. It was produced throughout the country and also turned into a film in 1988 starring Fierstein, Matthew Broderick, and Anne Bancroft.
The Broadway revival is produced by Richie Jackson, Eric Kuhn & Justin Mikita, Stephanie P. McClelland, Ken Fakler, David Mirvish, Lassen Blume/Karmen Boyz Productions, CJC & Priest/Judith Ann Abrams, Burnt Umber Productions/True Love Productions, Caiola Productions/Torchbearers, Jujamcyn Theaters, and Second Stage Theater.
