Torch song trilogy

[Childcatcher]

WOW! Totally fantastic! Take hankies guaranteed you will be a blubbering wreck at the end! Congratulations for getting the piece spot on...... When did Joe McFadden become so buff ? oooft!

[FrontRowDress]

Going on Friday, but seomone tweeted that it was an "experimental" version which got me worried. It's obviously much shorter than the original, but could you expand on the experimental angle? Thanks.

[Childcatcher]

Don't worry, in my opinion it's certainly not experimental. The play is of course written as 3 plays, so there are a few cuts or you would be trying to get a tube home at midnight.
The way its written is there is a Torch singer that kinda fills some gaps, scene changes, but in this production it is the cast of 6 that all come on and sing at different times and at the end. Its beautiful, and works very well, thats possibly what whoever meant as experimental. You will enjoy very much. Powerful stuff.

[FrontRowDress]

Thanks for that childcatcher, you've allayed my fears. I'm old enough to have seen Harvery Fierstein towards the end of the original London run and I love the movie, but having the cast sing the torch songs sounds great.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

How long is it now, it was nearly 4 hours originally.

[Childcatcher]

It was quite long, maybe 3 hours, though it didn't feel it as the choc factory seats are unusually comfortable. Can't believe you saw Harvey in it, he would of been a dream.... Wonder if he will pop over to see it ?

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Anthony Sher was a bit of a let down after seeing Harvey twice but the incredible Miriam Karlin was simply amazing.

[Phantom of London]

Did you see Douglas Hodge, might make a trip down next weekend.

[yankeefan7]

Saw the original on Broadway with Harvey Fierstein and it was incredible. I hope this version is equally as good.

[Childcatcher]

Yes ! Douglas was jumping about witha note book x

[alterego]

I saw Tony Sheldon play it in Melbourne.

[theatrepaul]

Now that's someone I'd have liked to have seen in it.

Interesting comments on this thread about this new production - am very much looking forward to seeing it.

[UKtheatrekid]

Saw the show last night and its incredibly moving, I had no prior knowledge of the show so cant judge on how 'different' it was...

[FrontRowDress]

This really is a beautifully realised production, it has been heavily edited but that doesn't detract. I absolutely loved it and cleverly it's not done as a period piece. I'm sure Mr Fierstein will be delighted. It looks like the Chocolate Factory are back on track and I can't wait for Merrily We Roll Along. I've rambled more on my blog if you're interested.
Torch Song Trilogy

[Phantom of London]

Seeing this tonight.

[rosscoe(au)]

Saw it with Tony in Melbourne as well.. That was a lifetime ago. Alter did you see it at Her Maj or the Vic ( was it called that? )

[FrontRowDress]

Good solid reviews (but I LOVED it)

The Stage (Mark Shenton) a qualified rave - http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/36471/torch-song-trilogy

Telegraph 4 stars - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/9329905/Torch-Song-Trilogy-Menier-Chocolate-Factory-review.html

Guardian 3 stars - http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2012/jun/13/torch-song-trilogy-review

Evening Standard 3 stars - http://www.standard.co.uk/arts/theatre/torch-song-trilogy-menier-chocolate-factory--review-7847419.html

[songanddanceman2]

What's on Stage - 3 stars
http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/E8831339578910/Torch+Song+Trilogy.html

I would not call them 'solid' reviews, i would say mixed leaning to positive

[alterego]

Rosscoe, didn't it go to the National in St Kilda after the Universal?

[rosscoe(au)]

Thats what it was called the Universal... So long ago, was it the Maj than the Universal and the National to follow?

[alterego]

The first incarnation played at the Universal (after the Sydney run - Her Majesty's or Seymour Centre?) then moved to the National Theatre in St Kilda. I don't think that production ever played the Maj in Melbourne. There was revival some years later with Daniel Abineri. That may have played the Maj ?

[theatrepaul]

Saw the penultimate performance on Saturday night and have to say I was dissapointed.

The play seemed very dated and something which has not worn well with age. I felt the performances were rather lacklustre and it just failed to move or engage me.