Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
A theatre space where almost all the seats are taken there is an actor, who is on her way to becoming a household name, telling her story from child star to Leading Lady. Her stage setting is one chair and a projection screen.
Rheagan Wallace from a small town in Texas, pays great tribute to her mom Silvia, who tirelessly worked on supporting her beloved daughter, by taking her from open calls to the auditions for the Pilot Seasons, all the way to the glitz of Hollywood. How many actors here in Hollywood would give anything that had a mom like - Silvia, who became a 'Stage Mama' and her full attention was her daughter's success. She was her biggest supporter, and in that became controlling about her daughter's journey, not to slip away, but use her talents to the fullest. After many years of friction between Reagan and her mom, in fighting for her freedom, she found the way to understand and love her mom, just as she was. With that, she found healing and gratitude for a Soul who lived for being her 'Stage Mama'.
By exploring dynamic characters from her past, Rhegan is alive, animated, funny, strong in her choices and fully in touch with her emotions, which makes everyone's eyes wet. She touched us all deeply. It's obvious her mom still works - beyond this world - on her career. A note from Rhegan Wallace, "In Loving Memory of Silvia Wallace, The Original Stage Mamma...'The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.' Because of you, mine never was. I love you, Mamma. It's all for you."
Presented by Soaring Solo Studios, with Artwork by Mary Lou Sandler, 3Cubed Studios, Videography by Justin Sandler, 3Cubed Studios and QLab Design, by Nick Foran; stage manager is Henry Parker-Elder with publicity by Anita Lee.
STAGE MAMMA: From Child Star to Leading Lady, written and performed by Rheagan Wallace, is developed with and directed by talented Jessica Lynn Johnson. In having an instructor with Soaring Solo Studio, Heather Dowling as a character coach by their side, this production is nothing less, but a pure jewel on this year's Fringe Festival.
The show has two remaining performances only at the Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, as part of Hollywood Fringe Festival 2025, Saturday, June 14th at 3:45 PM and Friday, June 27 at 5:30 PM. This show is not to be missed.
The tickets are $25, and they will go fast. Purchase through Link: https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/11838