Jamison Stern
Harvey Fierstein’s TORCH SONG brilliantly
gives us a glimpse into the LGBTQIOA+ community life of the ‘80’s from the underbelly of the backroom bar scene
to the search for domesticity in apartment life. 1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s
only all-comedy theatre, is producing this masterpiece at Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey
Street. Seen through the eyes of Arnold (Jamison Stern) , a drag queen, this production is exceptional on many levels
for all adult audiences. The curtain opens to black and white projections of
people and news items of the day. This interesting technique is used multiple times
throughout the show, frequently at the end of a scene which denotes a change in
time. Another compelling technique is Arnold’s holding conversations with another character who we must imagine to be present. When Arnold’s friend (Gregory Isaac ) breaks up with him for a woman, (
Karen Peakes) Arnold is devastated until he becomes involved with Alan, a young
model ( Tyler S. Elliot ). Three-time Barrymore Award nominated Scenic Designer
Chris Haig has designed another award-worthy set. When the two couples spend a weekend
together, of course there is a bed…a large bed. One couple pops up from under
the covers, chats, disappears under the bed, and the other couple pops up.
Sometimes only half of each couple “pops
up” to chat with the other half. Did I
mention this show is very funny? Despite the seriousness of its underlying
themes, the show gets a lot of laughs
from the audience. Act II takes place in
Arnold’s apartment over 5 years later . Two new characters are added to the scene.
Elliot Colahan gives a commanding performance as David; the teenager Andrew is fostering and hopes to adopt.
Grace Gonglewski gives a marvelous performance
as Andrew’s mother who is of the “Don’t say gay” camp. This is surely a play
not to be missed. It runs through May 19, 2024. For tickets or more information,
visit www.1812productions.org.
