Bronwyn Fullerton

TORCH SONG TRILOGY

Simon Corfield as Arnold in TORCH SONG TRILOGY. Pic Greg Doyle

They say all good things come in three’s, the same can be said about TORCH SONG TRILOGY. Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award- winning classic is back at Darlinghurst theatre, and very much alive thanks to the talented team who put this great show together.

Director Stephen Colyer has created a wickedly funny and energetic trilogy, with the underlying complexity of families struggling to accept homosexual life, clinging to their fears and phobias.

The music interspersed throughout the play, classic torch songs, was beautifully devised by Phil Scott, enabling the actors to double as musicians and singers. The transitions between music and dialogue are very smooth.

Simon Corfield is superb as the lead character, Arnold, the Jewish, New York drag queen who takes us on his personal journey, his quest for love and in particular, for his mother’s respect.

The other cast members all deserve mention; Simon’s love interest, Ed, who is tormented by his bi-sexuality, is played with subtle humour and quiet sensuality by Christian Willis.

Belinda Wollaston is vivacious as the sultry cabaret singer and clarinet player. Her understanding character Laura tries to keep her relationship with Ed alive with patience and honesty. Bass player Thom Jordan plays Alan, a striking young model, and a warm and likeable character, who seems less troubled with Arnold and is in control of his identity.

Mathew Verevis is an extraordinarily talented actor and musician with a bright future. An impressive singer and keyboard player, he also plays Arnold’s adopted son, David, who brings love and light into the third act.

Arnold’s mother also enriches the third act, played with great skill and humour by Amanda Muggleton. Their tormented relationship is based on frustration and disrespect, but ultimately driven by unconditional love.

TORCH SONG TRILOGY is part of this year’s Mardi Gras festival and is definitely worth seeing. The show plays at the Darlinghurst Theatre, Greenknowe Avenue in Kings Cross until the 3rd of March.

© Bronwyn Fullerton

7th February, 2013

Tags: Sydney Stage Reviews- TORCH SONG TRILOGY, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Harvey Fierstein, Bronwyn Fullerton

Published by Bronwyn Fullerton

Bronwyn Fullerton worked as an actress and singer for over 20 years after training with Hayes Gordon at The Ensemble Theatre Studios in Sydney in the 70s. She has worked for The Ensemble Theatre, Stables Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Theatre-in-Education touring, Rocks Theatre at The Sailor’s Home, Balmain Loft, North Coast Theatre Co., Giniby Theatre Co., Bondi Pavilion Theatre and two years with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, including a tour from Alice Springs to Arnhem Land. As well as Film and Television (Chopper Squad) and Voice Overs, Bronwyn worked for the Gate Theatre Club in London and studied mime in Paris. She now teaches ESL English to foreign students and completed a Post-Grad in Film & Video at UTS in 2009/10.