Marin Theatre’s Production of “Torch Song” Runs the Gamut from Lighthearted Comedy to Family Psychodrama
by Ed Brice
Marin Theatre closes out its 2023/24 season with Torch Song, the seminal comic drama by Harvey Fierstein, directed by Evren Odcikin. An adaptation of Fierstein’s 1982 play Torch Song Trilogy, this newly revised two-act Torch Song blends a mix of both comical and emotional packed drama. It focuses on Arnold Beckoff, a 30ish Jewish drag queen who deals with his gayness in a society (including his mother) that does not accept his lifestyle.
Still, despite the references to violence against his gay community members, Torch Song offers multiple moments of humor and the importance of wanting love, giving love, and acceptance of their lifestyle by society, in general, and family members, in particular.
Dean Linnard plays the role of drag queen Arnold Beckoff, and convincingly portrays a number of emotions dealing with his relationships, including one with his non-accepting mother (played by Nancy Carlin). Yes, the sparks fly as Arnold confronts his mother’s dismissal of his lifestyle. Together, their performances and remembrances of their lines, expressions, Brooklyn accent, etc. during this 2-hour 40-minute two act play, are both remarkable and impressive.
Again, there are moments that are touching, and yet moments of rollicking humor as Arnold Beckoff stumbles through modern life,
wallowing in cynical despair at the thought of ever finding a husband, having a child, and even a pair of bunny slippers that fit!
It’s the unexpected visit from his disapproving mother from Miami that reminds Arnold that what he really needs is respect.
For this production, Marin Theatre has assembled a stellar cast that includes Dean Linnard, Nancy Carlin, along with Joe Ayers, who portays David, a troubled gay teenager, Patrick Andrew Jones, who takes the role of a closeted schoolteacher with whom Arnold attempts a relationship, Edric Young, who plays Alan, a handsome young model, and Kina Kantor (the woman Ed marries).
The design team bringing this production of Torch Song to life on stage includes Sarah Phykitt (set design), Ray Oppenheimer (lighting design), Lana Palmer (sound design), and Jessie Amoroso (costume design).
Torch Song is currently performing through June 2 at Marin Theatre (397 Miller Avenue) in Mill Valley, CA. For tickets or more information
please phone (415) 388-5208 or visit MarinTheatre.org.
* * * * *
Photo caption: From L to R: Arnold (Dean Linnard) is in a standoff with Ed (Patrick Andrew Jones) and David (Joe Ayers) in Marin Theatre's "Torch Song" performing now through June 2, 2024. (Photo credit: David Allen)