About this event
Plays of Wilton (POW!) and Ronnie Larsen Presents are proud to announce the highly anticipated South Florida revival of Torch Song by Harvey Fierstein, running July 17 through August 31, 2025, at newly renovated Foundry Theater in Wilton Manors, Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Directed by Ronnie Larsen, this newly staged production of Fierstein’s Tony Award-winning play tells the deeply personal and powerfully resonant story of Arnold Beckoff, a Jewish drag queen and torch song singer navigating life, love, and family in 1970s and 1980s New York City. Funny, raw, and tender, Torch Song traces Arnold’s journey as he searches for intimacy, family, stability, and—perhaps most importantly—respect.
Originally written as Torch Song Trilogy, Fierstein revised the play into a two-act format in 2017 for Second Stage Theater. It later transferred to Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater in 2018, reminding audiences of the enduring relevance and humanity of Arnold’s story.
At its heart, Torch Song is about belonging. Arnold wants what everyone else does: love, family, and a sense of purpose. But as a gay man in a society that barely acknowledges his existence—and a mother who refuses to accept his identity—he must fight for the life he knows he deserves. The play’s themes of queer visibility, parental acceptance, heartbreak, and resilience continue to strike a deep chord with audiences today.
A legend of the American stage, Harvey Fierstein is a four-time Tony Award winner—two for the original Torch Song Trilogy (Best Play, Best Actor), one for La Cage aux Folles, and one for Hairspray. A trailblazer in queer representation, his other writing credits include Kinky Boots, Newsies, Casa Valentina, and A Catered Affair. His acting credits span Broadway (Fiddler on the Roof, La Cage aux Folles) and film (Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day), and he is an outspoken activist and essayist. Torch Song solidified his legacy as a fearless voice for LGBTQ+ stories onstage.
“Bringing Torch Song to Wilton Manors—one of the most vibrant queer communities in the country—feels incredibly meaningful,” says director Ronnie Larsen. “This play has heart, bite, and truth, and I’m so proud of the incredible team bringing it to life.”
CAST & COMPANY
Alex Martinez stars in the role of Arnold, marking his POW! debut. A native of New York, Martinez is a rising actor/director in the South Florida theater scene, having appeared at The Wick Theatre (Fiddler on the Roof), The Willow Theatre (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), and Lake Worth Playhouse (Newsies, School of Rock).
Joining him are:
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Pamela Hankerson as Laurel, making her POW! debut, bringing extensive experience from roles in Rent, The Prom, The Piano Lesson, and Beehive.
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Christian Cooper as Ed, making his POW! debut, a classically trained actor with an MFA in Acting and credits in Hamlet, Casa Valentina, and Proof.
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Lourelene Snedeker as Ma, a four-time Carbonell winner with an extensive career on the regional and national stage, including POW! in the Park’s A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum as Pseudolus.
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Gianni Palermo as Alan, also seen in POW! In The Park’s, Forum and the world premiere of Ronnie Larsen’s PrEP’d at The Foundry. Other credits in Junie B. Jones, In The Heights and Cabaret.
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Jackson Goddard as David, a young standout performer seen in POW! in the Park’s The Sound of Music and the sold-out world premier musical A Shonda at The Foundry. Other credits in Falsettos, Narnia and A Christmas Carol.
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM
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Director – Ronnie Larsen
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Costume Designer – Tim Bowman
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Lighting Design – Preston Bircher
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Sound/Lighting Tech – Panos Mitos
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Set Design – Melqui Dominguez
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Stage Manager – Barry Capell
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Casting – Harry Redlich
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POW! Managing Director – Jeff Walters
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Associate Producer – Joseph Guidetti
Tickets are now available at www.playsofwilton.com and www.ronnielarsen.com
Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 15 minute intermission)