An Engagingly Endearing Torch Song

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Photo by Sara Risley via Theatrical Tendencies - Facebook

Theatrical Tendencies ‘Torch Song’

Kevin J. Gadzalinski in Theatrical Tendencies' ‘Torch Song’

Theatrical Tendencies returns to the stage after a long break to present an endearing and engaging production of Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song. A very charismatic Kevin J. Gadzalinski generates a great amount of warmth to the stage in the role of Arnold—a Jewish homosexual, drag queen and torch singer who deals with a great many problems in his personal life in New York. Gadzinski may lack the distinctively cuddly and gravelly voice of Harvey Fierstein in the role, but he has little difficulty carving out his own distinctive stage presence for the character. Mark Neufang is suitably charismatic as his sparklingly charming bi-sexual boyfriend Ed. Director Mark E. Schuster brings a capable cast around Gadzalinski in a briskly moving drama that carries an emotional center to the stage with great heart and intensity.

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Photo courtesy Theatrical Tendencies

Theatrical Tendencies ‘Torch Song’ cast

Theatrical Tendencies ‘Torch Song’ cast: back: Kelly Simon, Mark Neufang, Kevin J. Gadzalinki, William Salinas. Front: Eugene Strei, Paula Garcia.

Theatrical Tendencies has excelled at staging intimate, little productions in the past. Inspiration Studios serves as a cozy space for the drama that amplifies the immediacy of Gadzalinski’s performance considerably. The script provides some interesting challenges in tone and pacing. The episodic nature of the story moves Arnold through a progression of life events that can be difficult to bring to the stage in a way that respects all of the time that passes between scenes. Schuster and company do a good job of bringing across the feeling of a steady progression of moments in Arnold’s life from the late ’70s to the early ’80s. Moments are held with great poise without compromising the steady flow of emotional action from one scene to the next. Arnoldand Ed tumble through an impressive amount of psycho-emotional change in a satisfying evening at the theater.

Theatrical Tendencies’ production of Torch Song runs through Oct. 29 at Inspiration Studios, 1500 S. 73rd St. in West Allis. For ticket reservations and more, visit theatricaltendencies.com.