The Packer

Theatre of NOTE as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Reviewed by Jeff Favre

June 22, 2010


Take away the geographical and cultural specifics and remove the heavy Australasian accents, and Dianna Fuemana's gritty solo show starring Jay Ryan and directed by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor could easily take place in any American setting. That's because what drives Fuemana's dozen or so characters are universal human desires that run smack into harsh realities. Expertly played by Ryan, who seamlessly transitions from the protagonist Shane to his alcoholic mother and to a variety of West Auckland inhabitants, this production in one hour offers a complex slice of life without moralizing or judging. Taylor sets a lightning pace from the opening lines and drives the story full speed until its satisfying conclusion.

Presented by and at Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Fri., June 18, 8 p.m.; Sun., June 20, 6:30 p.m.; Tue., June 22, 8 p.m..; Thu., June 24, 10 p.m.; Sat., June 26, 6:30 p.m.; Sun., June 27, 2 p.m. (323) 956-8611. www.hollywoodfringe.org.
 

 
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