Review: A “Torch Song” for Today

On the one hand, Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song” can seem quite dated: it takes place from 1971 to 1982 — they use landline phones! However, what is more 2018 than a story about a gay Jewish drag queen in New York City trying to find love, hooking up with guys, struggling with a bisexual boyfriend, dealing with gay bashing, adopting a child, and fighting with his homophobic mother? In the age of same-sex marriage, Grindr, and RuPaul’s Drag Race, “Torch Song” feels more relevant than ever. After all, how different is Arnold Beckoff from Miz Cracker? The piece still works, it feels fresh and revolutionary all over again. It speaks to the gay experience powerfully and emotionally.

When this premiered in the 80s — then as a trilogy — Harvey Fierstein, also the writer, stared as Arnold; it won Tonys for Best Play and Best Actor. This time around, we are graced with Michael Urie, who despite borrowing the quintessential camp from his predecessor, has made the role entirely his own. Yes, he does the limp wrists and the accent, but it feels grounded in something personal. He is captivating, moving, and deeply enjoyable. Mr. Urie has settled into the role, and his performance has changed most since the Second Stage Off-Broadway run last Fall.

The revival, which is directed by Moises Kaufman and opened at the Helen Hayes Theater on November 1st, is a re-imagining of the…