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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Women in Entertainment

HFF18 day 4 – see it or skip it (part 1)

Day 3 was our busiest day yet with five shows, and we were out late enjoying the Fringe.  Writing the reviews took two articles, and we were a little tired after the first one so we laid down to rest.  Three hours later we awoke, having missed our first show of 2018.  Nevertheless, we got our second article finished and relaxed until time to head out for the first of four shows on Day 4.

TITLE OF SHOWSkin Jobs

VENUE:  The Broadwater Studio

REVIEW:   We didn’t really know what to expect from this show, but we had heard the buzz and needed to check it out.  The subject matter deals with the practice of “whitewashing” – using white actors for what should be ethnic actors and then changing their appearance in post-production.  The show is the debut of famed playwright and journalist Jim Vejvoda and is directed by the equally famous director Lee Costello.  Their casting of Virginia Tran as Kerri and Aussie transplant Claire Fazzolari as Viv was perfect, and brought home the reality of the play.  The venue was packed, the anticipation was palpable, and the actors did not disappoint.  This just might be one of this year’s hidden gems.  They both delivered sparkling performances, and the chemistry between them was very real.  It was also a blast to talk to Claire after the show and hear that beautiful Aussie accent, which she so skillfully hides during the performance.

RECOMMENDATION:  You should definitely see this one.  Unfortunately, there is only one additional show on June 20, and it is sold out.  Hopefully this show will be extended so additional people will have the chance to check it out.

TITLE OF SHOWLorelei:  I’m Coming Out!

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:   What is Fringe without a drag queen?  In years past, that queen has been Lyla, and she has delivered a couple of amazing and award-winning shows.  With Lyla nowhere to be found, Lorelei has stepped up and delivered a smashing performance about her coming out, complete with original music, a live band, and all that goes with the perfect drag queen show.  Lorelei has written a great book and lyrics, and the music composed by band leader Raiah Rofsky is to die for.  Her score was perfectly delivered by Mina Bloom (piano), Marlon Meyerson (bass), J.J Ross (percussion), and Justina Jones (violin).  The show was the perfect combination of word and song, with some nice multi-media thrown in for good measure.  All in all it was a rousing good time at the Fringe.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you aren’t afraid of the queer, then you should check this one out.  If you are queer (and even if you aren’t), you will probably love it as much as we did.  Check out one of her remaining shows on June 22 or 23 at 7 p.m.  You can purchase tickets here.

TITLE OF SHOWThe Word

VENUE:  Three Clubs

REVIEW:   Who doesn’t love or want a chance for redemption?  Victor Isaac has written a brilliant show about redemption and forgiveness of the hardest kind – forgiving yourself.  He skillfully weaves together the stories of the Rev. Johnson of the First Church of the Holy Homeboy and inmate Lewayne Johnson – two apparently different ends of the spectrum.  Or are they?  Director JJ Mayes proves he is more than just a great Fringe performer with the brilliant direction he gives this show, and he had the fortune of having such amazing material to work with.

RECOMMENDATION:  This show is a must see and sure to become one of this year’s Fringe hits.  To find out what happened, be there for one of the remaining shows on June 20 at 10 p.m. or June 23 at 3:30 p.m.  You can purchase tickets here.

We’ll be right back with part 2.