Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Actress, singer Shelley Cooper (performer/choreographer), who portrayed Maria Callas and Jenny Lind at the previous Hollywood Fringe Festivals, adds a new name to her collection of famous, historically significant singers as she embodies Lotte Lenya in RagDoll on a Bomb Site. The show is based on an actual incident in Lenya's career in 1928, when at the premiere of a sold-out house for Threepenny Opera, Lenya's name is not on the program. She is cast in the role of Jenny Diver and the opening number, 'Mack the Knife' is her song. Her husband, the composer Kurt Weill drops a bombshell, demanding that the performance be canceled.
Performing Jenny Diver, a character with whom Lenya identifies on many levels, is far more important to her than having her name on the program. She grew up on the poor side of Vienna, drowning in tears as a young girl, with her hideous father who was violent and who was repeatedly beating her. She was forced to sing in the middle of the night, to satisfy his cynical, cold drunken face. She was always hungry and isolated, afraid and lost, hoping her father would change and find one day - love for her in his heart. Even after leaving home in order to survive her morality is constantly compromised. When she was raped by some middle-aged man in the middle of the night, she was confused and felt nothing. She was numb, like a ragdoll on a bomb site.
Shelly plays this role with every fiber of her being. Since she was 12 years old, the only way for her to survive was music. By using the new musical scores, composed of two-time off-Broadway award winners, and by adding choreography and true feelings, Shelly shares her wealth of talent with us by giving us an amazing performance. Well done, indeed! Producer/Developer is Jessica Lynn Johnson, Lighting Design is Miles Berman, Video and graphic design by Roger Pavey Jr. Kelsey Miller is director/developer. What a Team!
Warning: 'This production contains depictions and references to physical abuse by a parent, suicide ideation, child sexual exploitation (including prostitution), and rape. These themes may be distressing or triggering for some audience members. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.'
Hudson Theatre 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. is the home for RagDoll on a Bomb Site for the Hollywood Fringe Festival. There are only three performances with the last show on Saturday, June 21 at 8:30pm. This show is highly recommended!
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/12077?tab=tickets