You know him as a talented visual artist, but have you ever seen Lexington’s most famous muralist onstage? That’s right, in addition to being an exceptional artist, Wylie Caudill is also a thespian. Later this month Caudill will appear in ActOut Theatre Group’s production of “Torch Song.”
Founded in 1998 by a cohort of Lexington stage creatives, ActOut Theatre Group specializes in producing plays which contend with LGBTQ+ issues, often by LGBTQ+ playwrights. Caudill previously appeared in ActOut’s 2022 production of “The Normal Heart” by HIV/AIDS activist Larry Kramer. Fun fact: City Editor Sam acted in that show alongside Caudill.
ActOut’s current production is “Torch Song” written by gay activist and artist Harvey Fierstein. This two-act revival of the Tony Award winning “Torch Song Trilogy” is the story of Arnold Beckoff, a New York City drag queen. Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the production follows Arnold on his search for happiness in the form of a husband, a child, and a comfortable pair of bunny slippers.
Caudill plays Alan, Arnold’s charismatic and passionate lover. Their plans for a happy life of marriage and domestic tranquility include adopting a child, but tragedy strikes before their life together can truly take shape.
“Torch Song” will run at the Central Library’s Farish Theatre. Tickets are available for all five performances:
- Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m.
Want to share the stage with ActOut? You just missed auditions for its second production of 2025, “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches” but you can visit ActOut’s Facebook page for volunteer opportunities.
