torch song by harvey fierstein

Step into the world of Torch Song, a groundbreaking and deeply moving play by Harvey Fierstein that explores love, identity, and the courage to be true to yourself. Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1970s and 1980s New York City, this unforgettable story follows Arnold Beckoff, a witty and resilient drag performer, as he navigates the highs and lows of relationships, family, and acceptance.

Filled with sharp humor, raw emotion, and poignant truths, Torch Song is a timeless celebration of resilience and the enduring power of love. Don't miss this theatrical masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations—it's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on what truly matters in life. Join us for an evening of passion and humanity you won’t forget!

 Joe Ferrell has directed close to 250 productions in his over 60 year career as a theatre director and theatre educator, including 21 plays with Lexington Shakespeare Festival/SummerFest, several plays with Actor's Guild of Lexington, was artistic director of Phoenix Group Theatre for six years, Balagula Theatre, and for The Woodford Theatrical Arts Association.  After doing his Doctoral Work at the University of Iowa,  Indiana University, SUNY at Binghamton, and SMU, Joe was Director of Theatre at Georgetown College, and  Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky. During his five-year stay in NYC, he worked with Westside Arts  Theatre, The Theatre of the Open Eye, and Playwright’s Horizons.  He was also Artistic Director for KCT/SummerFest from 2007 -2012,  and directed most Summers for Lexington Shakespeare Festival.  He has more recently been privileged to direct for studio players 10  min play festival, and Message Theatre’s 12 ANGRY JURORS, AND THE WAITING ROOM. AND NOW ActOut allowed me the privilege to direct Torch Song! My thanks to them, the wonderful cast, faithful crew, and the Farish theatre!

DIRECTOR'S NOTE:

I FIRST SAW TORCH SONG(WAS TORCH SONG TRILOGY THEN) MID-1980 IN NY.  I BELIEVED IT WAS(IS) ONE OF THE FINEST PLAYS THAT I HAD REE4AD OR SEEN,  MY ASSESSMENT WAS SURELY SUPPORTED WHEN IT WAS AWARDED THE TONY AWARD, AS WAS ITS PLAYWRIGHT/LEAD ACTOR.  TORCH SONG PRESENTS A CAST OF MEMORABLE CHARACTERS AND A WORLD THAT WE ALL CAN ENJOY, BE  CHALLENGED

BY, AND TAKE HOME TO CONTEMPLATE.  THIS SURELY MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH IT--A CONTEMPLATION THAT LINGERED AS I STARTED DIRECTING IT. THE TIME SPENT CREATING IT'S WORLD WITH AS SUPERLATIVE A CAST AS IT HAS BEEN MY JOY TO WORK  WITH!!!

PLEASE BASK IN THE WORK OF THIS CAST, BUT ALSO THE TIMELY, LIFE AFFIRMING MESSAGE THAT THE PLAY ASKS YOU TO "FEEL INTO!"  IT IS A PLEASURE TO BRING, ALONG WITH ActOut, ONE OF THE 20TH CENTURY 'S BEST AMERICAN PLAYS!!

JOE FERRELL 

 Wesley is honored to be a part of this outstanding cast of artists and to share this story with the audiences of Central KY. Locally he has been proud to work throughout the theatre community as an actor with Woodford Theatre, Voices Amplified, Leeds Center for the Arts, Studio Players, Actor’s Guild, and Paragon Music Theatre. However, before moving to Lexington fifteen years ago, he worked professionally across the country as an actor, vocal coach, and musical director. 

Wesley found his light on stages across the country performing for companies in Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Kansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Florida. While on tour he was able to hone his craft performing on stages spanning multiple states from New York to California. His favorite roles have included Barry Glickman in The Prom!, the Baker in Into the Woods, Ugly in Honk!, Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Lt. Joe Cable in South Pacific, Bert in 42nd Street, Jamie in The Last Five Years and Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers. 

 Daniel Ellis is thrilled to return to ActOut for this performance. Daniel is the Executive Artistic Director of Woodford Theatre and was most recently seen in Ingenuity Unlimited's Spooky Soiree (Frankenstein's Creature), Woodford's Blithe Spirit (Charles Condomine) and The 39 Steps (Richard Hannay), and ActOut's The Normal Heart (Felix Turner). Special thanks to his love Casey and his fur baby Ollie. 

  Sherry is very excited to be back on the boards for the ActOut Theatre Group and thrilled to be performing in her fourth production under the direction of Joe Ferrell. Sherry studied Theatre Arts at Eastern Kentucky University, where she also received a BS in Communications. Employed by the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College, Sherry resides in bucolic Versailles, Kentucky. Sherry thanks you for joining us here at the theater where, in the words of Harvey Fierstein, strangers can "sit in a room together and believe together." Enjoy! 

  Wylie is a Lexington-based mural artist but has been doing local theatre since he was a teenager. Wylie is best known for his roles in productions with the Appalachian Shakespeare Center but Daniel will tell you Wylie is best known as just some local wannabe trade. 

 Baelyn is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's in Theatre and a Certificate in Filmmaking Production and Dramatic Writing. She also has her Certificate in Fashion Industry Essentials from Parsons. She has worked with many local theatres including Woodford Theatre, Studio Players, Adventure Theatre, Message Theatre, and Leeds Center for the Arts. Past productions include "Edith" in Blithe Spirit, Stage Manager for Into the Woods, and Assistant Costumer for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She would like to thank her supportive friends, family, and partner for their love and drive. 

 Malachi is an actor who lives in the Lexington area. He has recently done productions at Leeds, Woodford Theatre, Jessamine Arts, Dinner Detective, and Asbury University, and he is excited about his ActOut debut! He thanks God for this opportunity to act alongside such a talented cast!