LA Review: 'Flying Standby'

"Flying Standby" is a great metaphor to build a show around, and Tonya Meeks' autobiographical solo show is at its best when we see the scattered Meeks, suitcase in hand, caught in that "will I or won't I and where?" place. In relating her complicated relationship with her whack job of a mother—by portraying her, in many cases—she gives an appealing, raw performance that's full of love, truth, and humor rather than self-pity. But her lack of focus as a writer-performer turns the work into a compelling train wreck that cries out for serious help with construction.

Meeks doesn't shy away from using theater as therapy—hell, she is a therapist—so whatever direction she's headed, we're pretty darned entertained, not cringing. John Ennis directs the show, which features original tunes sung beautifully by Dwayne Calizo and the strong if not quite integrated work of dancer Candice Cross.

Self-presented as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival at Theatre of Note, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. June 9–23. Remaining performances: Tue., June 19, 7 p.m.; Sat., June 23, 12:30 p.m. (323) 455-4585 or www.hollywoodfringe.org.