What is cut from Torch Song?

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 10/28/18 at 7:16pm

I just saw Torch Song and loved it. Can anyone tell me the content that was cut, creating a show that is an hour shorter. I wish they had kept it intact. I loved all the characters and would have loved another hour with them. 

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 10/29/18 at 11:31am

The character of the Torch Singer was cut from The International Stud.  I was too young for the original Broadway production, but I did a production in the late 80s (as David in Act 3) and the Torch Singer sang a full number after each scene.  I *think* that's how it was done on Broadway originally.  Fugue in the Nursery has a number of cuts (including the voiceover of Laurel inviting Arnold up to the country house that starts the act). I don't know specifically, but there are definitely a number of cuts in that act.  Widows and Children First probably has the least amount of cutting, but there were little snips made here and there.  If I remember correctly, David was more explicitly described as a hustler (which makes his sexual banter with Ed and even Arnold far more grounded than in the current production).  There are a few other moments I noticed (there was an explanation of how Arnold made both his and his mother's rabbit slippers).  But I played David when I was 15 and I'm 44 now , so...

All that said, I saw the production on Saturday night (saw it off Broadway as well) and I adored it a second time.  Special shout outs to the actors playing Laurel and Alan.  They had the most material cut and still made really strong impressions. 

[keller434]

Posted: 10/29/18 at 11:35am

I loved the show and saw the original when I was 17, but don't recall much about it.

I do think, in my opinion, that the cuts really impact and minimize the emotional connection that Arnold has with Alan.  I just don't see them having a strong, long lasting relationship based on the Fugue In A Nursery. To me, there is nothing there that suggests that Alan and Arnold would have deep, long lasting love.  Did the cuts impact the foundation of that relationship whereby Arnold would in fact be mourning his soul mate and partner in the second act?   

Updated On: 10/29/18 at 11:35 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 10/29/18 at 11:45am

I think the Alan/Arnold relationship is really tough, even without cuts. You're seeing a snapshot of a relationship at its very, very beginning... and then the fallout of Alan's death, five years later, with nothing in between. You're going from seeds to a cut-down orchard.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 10/29/18 at 12:17pm

There was a scene that I believe was cut from the Broadway production but is included in the published script and that we did in our production between Laurel and Arnold at the end of Fugue that takes place at the club where Arnold performs.  He's rehearsing a number and Laurel comes to talk with him (some of this may exist in a very condensed version in the current production).  During their discussion, Arnold tells her he and Alan are getting 'married.'  Basically filling out a contract about what they want their relationship to be and having a few friends over to celebrate.  I imagine that scene was radical in 1980/81...and I think it goes a very long way to explaining just how committed Arnold is to demanding from his world the same treatment that heterosexuals receive.  I think it's a pretty essential scene and it makes me a little sad that it's no longer there.  It certainly brings a sense of closure to Alan's infidelity with Ed and how they moved forward.  And how they move towards planning a family.  There's also a wonderful very small moment at the beginning of Fugue where Alan looks at Arnold's pillow and says 'What's this black sh*t on the pillow?' meaning Arnold has started to dye his hair.  I wouldn't say it's essential, but it was a very funny exchange that let's you know Arnold is even more concerned with the passage of time. 

[JeffDaEgg2]

Posted: 10/29/18 at 11:29pm

I agree that the relationship between Alan and Arnold isn't really given a fair chance.  It's completely possible that they fall deep in love between acts 1 and 2, but the audience sees none of it, so we just have to take him at his word that he's mourning.  My friend said after the show that he wasn't even sure Arnold like Alan so he was surprised by the emotional reaction in act 2.  I'm not sure about the original version of the play(s), but I think that the movie probably gives the fullest view of their relationship.