Torch Song Trilogy
By Harvey Fierstein
Directed by David Lawver
StageQ is proud to announce its first production of the 2002-2003 season, the Tony Award winning (Best Play, 1982) Torch Song Trilogy.
Set in the 1970s, Torch Song Trilogy was originally performed as three separate one-act plays. The first play, "The International Stud," introduces Arnold (played by Andy Jorishie, recently seen in MTG's La Cage Aux Folles), a Jewish female impersonator who is struggling to find love with bisexual schoolteacher Ed (Karl Reinhardt from Strollers' Bad Habits). "Fugue In A Nursery" ensues in the second play after Ed leaves Arnold for girlfriend Laurel (Jennifer Maahs, a CTM veteran). The setting is a weekend country house where chaos breaks out when Arnold introduces his new, young, model-boyfriend Alan (Broom Street's Mark Gapen) to Ed. The final play, "Widows and Children First!" brings Arnold face-to-face with parenthood with an adopted son (David Meldman, Carl the Dog in StageQ's Stay Carl Stay) and the only thing that really scares Arnold: the impending visit from his mother (MTG's Bonnie Balke).
As much a reflection of the importance of family and love, Torch Song Trilogy is hailed as a classic comedy in Gay Theater. The play was one of the first Broadway shows to have a major gay theme in its plot. The 1988 movie version with Harvey Fierstein, Matthew Broderick and Anne Bancroft was also one of the first mainstream movies to feature homosexuality as its main theme. But the universal themes of finding self-respect, love and the importance of family is what has made this story a classic with both gay and straight audiences.
Produced by StageQ in the Drury at The Gerald Bartell Community Theatre, 113 East Mifflin, Madison, Wisconsin.
Performances: September 6-28, 2002
Thursdays (September 12, 19, 26), Fridays (September 6, 13, 20, 27) and Saturdays (September 7, 14, 21, 28) at 7:30pm.
Due to some adult content, this play is for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $15 for all shows and may be purchased or reserved online at www.StageQ.com or reserved by calling 608-204-0306.
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The Creative Team
David Lawver, one of Madison's most respected theatrical directors, guides the play in his first collaboration with StageQ. Understanding the importance of this show to a company like StageQ, he is very excited to offer his skills with this show he's long wanted to direct. StageQ president Steve Noll is producing the show. "This is a crown jewel in gay theater that Madison audiences have not had a chance to see, other than the movie version. So they are going to be in for some good surprises‚" says Noll. Ron Collins, who beautifully lit Mercury's The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told‚ is doing Light Design. StageQ regular Mark Penner is again creating a wonderful assortment of torch songs and more as Sound Designer. David Lauritzen, who created the beautiful Gertrude Stein set from StageQ's last season is doing set and prop design. Dale Decker, a long-time StageQ tech operator is handling the Stage Manager duties.