I have been lucky enough to see this as a stage play and also own the DVD version. I love this play it is funny, insightful and an engaging representation of LGBT life in the 80's. I hadn't read the play before so it was an interesting experience, having seen Harvey Fierstein in the DVD its hard not to read it with his voice speaking Arnold's words. The play is different from the play, they have clearly made some changes to make it work cinematically. The best speeches remain however and the main premise of the play has not been changed.

I really liked the introduction by Harvey where he talks about his hope that people will see something of themselves in one or more characters and feel less alone. It made me love him and the play a little but more. Arnold is a hilarious central character, with devastating wit and quick repartee. You can't help but be absorbed by him and his life and choices. As a play it works well, you do need to focus as there are overlapping conversations but its a clever way to put across important stories with a small cast and a limited set. An enjoyable and important read I can't recommend it enough.

Just finished Harvey Fierstein’s memoir so it was the perfect time to read this classic play. Fierstein spends much time in his memoir describing the writing of these three pieces and the various productions. Reading this you get such a sense of gay history but with issues that remain timely and relevant. Extraordinarily funny and emotional, you can’t but help Harvey’s voice in each of Arnold Beckoff’s lines.

I went into this not knowing if I would like it and I ended up adoring it! I love how creatively the stage directions set up this collection of stories and the writing is fantastic!

Beautiful.

Torch Song Trilogy by Harvey Fierstein from Penguin Random House is sensational. He won a Tony for best play and best actor in 1983 for this play, and after reading it, I can understand way. It had an impact almost forty years ago in the years after Stonewall because it hit a nerve. I think it still hits nerves today in a world where the LGBTQ community is continually under attack. It's beautiful and moving and funny.
https://onthebl.org/2019/02/05/torch-...

Honest, provocative and ground-breaking for it’s time, the play seems belabored and could benefit from some edits. Act II is brilliant. I wish I saw its author in the original. I did see the revival (which had been tweaked) and enjoyed it.

A great way to begin Pride Month!

Such a great play and what a joy to read. Really sad I didn't make it in time for book club.

Thanks for generously handing over your book, @Bellish. :)

This story has consumed me this past year. I first saw the film earlier this year, and multiple times since. The characters live rent free in my head like only a precious few others do.

I needed to know the source material better, because films only ever give you a taste of the full story. I'm literally sitting here blown away by Harvey Fierstein and his epic saga, and I do not say this lightly. Ever wanted a glimpse at the pre-aids gay experience, this will take you places you never dreamed.

To quote Arnold: "Ain't that a kick in the rubber parts?" If you know, you know. If not, come join us backstage in the violet room, Leonora.

I love me some witty and heart felt queer storytelling.

It's a play. I picked it up at the library because 1) I was a high school drama nerd for four years and had never read it 2) I'm gay (most of the time), so I think there's a requirement somewhere that I have to read it. So now it's read and Harvey Fierstein is great so it was very easy for me to imagine him playing out the scenes in my head. Hooray! :)

Great and still relevant today. I'm looking forward to renting the movie again.

An open look at homosexual life in the 70's and 80's America. I like both versions but I prefer the story in three separate plays as opposed to one play. But I understand why it was later condensed into one play.