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.

Wylie Caudil (seated, right) onstage in ActOut Theatre Group's 2022 production of The Normal Heart. Photo courtesy of Wylie 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.