Theater Reviews: Hollywood Fringe Festival

Comments (0) By L.A. Weekly Theater Critics Thursday, Jun 24 2010

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L.A. LIGHTS FIRE With elements of humor and crude carnality, Joe Calarco portrays 12 men, as a fire rages in the Hollywood Hills. Inspired by recent L.A. conflagrations, Eric Czuleger has written a tightly structured series of monologues, giving Calarco the opportunity to become such characters as a firefighter, an aging skater-dude, an agent, an actor and an evangelistic preacher, to name a few. Directed by Czuleger, Calarco delivers emotional heft to the characterizations and makes the philosophical underpinnings of the story plausible. Though the production could use editing, aided by Calarco's inventive sound effects, it is memorable. Coeurage Theatre Company at ComedySportz L.A., 733 N. Seward St., Hollywood; CLOSED (Melinda Schupmann/courtesy of Back Stage)

LOST MOON RADIO, EPISODE 6 A too-rare theater occurrence, this latest episode of a serialized variety show that's been appearing every few months at Los Angeles clubs is funny and intelligent. A somewhat hipper "A Prairie Home Companion," this hourlong faux radio show, hosted by Jupiter Jack (Matt McKenna), features ridiculous commercials, sketches, and callers, all performed by a cast of five and a live band. This episode, an early Fourth of July celebration, features hilarious takes on Americana, most memorably scenes from a forever-bickering Lewis and Clark during the pair's famed expedition, and a doo-wop song sung by a racist in the 1950s. Lost Moon Radio at Fringe Central Theatre of Arts, 1625 N. Las Palmas, L.A. Fri., June 18, 9:30 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs., June 23-24, 8 p.m.; Fri., June 25, 11 p.m.; Sat., June 26, 4:30 p.m. (866) 811-4111. (Jeff Favre/courtesy of Back Stage)

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LOVE & SEX IN THE EARTH'S SPIN CYCLE One of the keys to successful dating, explains writer-performer Lambeth Sterling, is to look for "the less fucked." Directed by David Ford, Sterling's rather random musings on her misdirected life course after growing up in the South — "the buckle of the Bible Belt" — begin with a clever, spreadsheet-ready breakdown of proper mate selection. The advice is heavily influenced by 12-step programs, therapists, and spiritual gurus. But the smart, surprising writing that occasionally pops out in the meandering story that follows never quite hits its mark. And as a performer, the quirky Sterling often seems more lost in her own material than we are. Various venues; through June 27, (866) 811-4111. (Jennie Webb/courtesy of Back Stage)

LOVE HAS NO GENDER Pacoima-based The Unusual Suspects presents Love Has No Gender, written and performed by local youth, with guidance from adult artists, in a program supported by El Nido Family Centers and the office of City Councilman Richard Alarcón. The place is packed with parents and friends, if the venue's 40-some seats warrants the adverb packed. They've performed this show before in a 500-seat high school gymnasium, they said in a post-perf discussion. But here in intimate confines, they can be heard. In the story, two Latino families grapple with issues of immigration, drug abuse and daughters who are a little too close for their families' comfort, but things work out in the end. The acting is remedial and it doesn't matter a jot. What matters is the post-play confession of sweet Sandra Gonzalez, who played one of the leads, that — midsentence she teared up — "everyone here is so friendly." Theatre of NOTE. CLOSED (Steven Leigh Morris/L.A. Weekly)

HIS MINUTE HAND In writer/director Stephen Kaliski’s play, officers Rip (Lloyd Mulvey) and Charles (Christopher Salazar) are bound to uphold a law that demands women remain confined indoors because of “the war” outside. However, their pregnant wives, Hilda (Rebecca Newman) and Penelope (Nancy Noto), have cabin fever, so Charles decides to bend the rules. The ensuing nonlinear collection of scenes, unfortunately, is like a shower with an erratic water heater. Sometimes the volcanic plumes of anger scald you, while at other times the disconnected dialogue leaves you cold. Mostly, the action is lukewarm and confusing, or as Charles says, “like pouring vinegar on waffles.” The Complex Theatre, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd.; Mon.-Thurs., 3 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; through June 27. (866) 811-4111. A Green Room Presents Production. (Mayank Keshaviah/L.A. Weekly)

MISSION OF FLOWERS Australian actor Leof Kingsford-Smith's solo performance of Gerry Greenland's biographical drama is based on the life and diary of English-Australian aviator Bill Lancaster. Alan Walpole's set creates a kind of cart carved from the imagined wreckage of Lancaster's plane that's crashed in the Sahara in 1933. And there's that image of water once more as the essence of what we are. Lancaster sits preserving energy, and crossing off chalk lines on a water canteen as day after day ticks by, with flickering and then fading hope that his flares will be noticed by nearby pilots. The play is a fever-dream as Lancaster awaits rescue. For a fever, however, it sure is a straightforward and rational account of the guy's memories, including his affair with a flame — female aviator Chubby Miller — for whom Lancaster divorced his wife. A mutual American friend then struck up a romance with Chubby and issues of betrayal, murder and/or suicide percolate. Kingsford-Smith gives a tenderly rendered portrayal of haughty adventurer who runs out of adventures, under Damien Lay's direction. When he smacks his lips, you can feel that blistering Sahara heat. Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; through June 27. hollywoodfringe.org/project/view/106 (Steven Leigh Morris/L.A. Weekly)