The fact that Torch Song Trilogy never dates is both good and bad. As a timeless slice of comic drama it never fails to entertain, however that the issues that lie at its heart are not museum pieces by now says so much how far society at large thinks it has come in regards to LGBTQI acceptance.
For a play that was written 40 years ago: pre AIDS, marriage equality, Rainbow Families, it was/is so ahead of its time in some of its relationships and in what is said. However the needs and the wants expressed in the play are still real – making it a great piece of literature. It holds little ghetto/underground/issue-based theatre tenets, as it is a universal tale that can be retold with honesty as with any classic from Ibsen or Shakespeare. Fierstein has written a play that dances with those things many hold close to their heart – romantic love, happy families and the notions of truly being who you are. Yes, the gay milieu of the work may bring out larger than life characters, grotesques even, but we do not live in subtle times and to lay it on thick is always good by me.
TST recounts the travails of Arnold Beckoff (Simon Corfield) a tawdy drag queen by night and man in pursuit of love by day (and night). The unexpected plotlines allow us to meet bi-sexual Ed (Tim Draxl), the original metrosexual Laura (Hilary Cole), the devoted Alan (Stephen Madsen), David (Imraan Daniels) who drops into the story to spice it up and a mother to end all mothers (Kate Raison). Much of the action is spliced with torch songs from a bygone era, a fine added touch from director Stephen Colyer and splendidly accompanied by musical director Phil Scott. Being a trilogy with extras makes for a long 
evening though in the hands of this cast it skips along. There are few moments that drag, and those that did may only be opening night jitters. The night belonged to Mr Madsen, Ms Cole and especially Mr Draxl. I found that New York Bronx accent held the other actors back. As precise as they were they hemmed in the characterisations and at times made it a chore to catch the words. There seemed a lack of the authentic at times in the big scenes – the love/hate between Arnold and David, the torment Ed serves up to Arnold and that final embattlement betwixt mother and son. I felt there was room for these scenes to be played in not out and for Arnold to drop his armour at some point. Mr Corfield has a mountain to climb each night, and has played the role before. However his shielded Arnold is a force to reckon with and Corfield’s comic timing along with that of Kate Raison’s is faultless. Benjamin Brockman’s lighting is delicious and Katja Handt’s costumes are amusing and colourful. Set design by Imogen Ross allows for lots of room for the actors to scamper about, utilising the breath of the stage judiciously.
Torch Song Trilogy touches the heart and tickles the ribs. This version includes superb singing and great visuals. It is playing until August 26 at The Eternity Theatre in Burton St, Darlinghurst
Mark G Nagle – Theatre Now
