The new play focuses on a Scrooge-like CEO who is haunted by demons as he crushes his competition and betrays his loved ones to get ahead. Zimmerman has been blessed with a group of actors skilled enough to navigate his puzzling script. John Lacy is well-cast as the buttoned-up businessman; Diana Wyenn gives a solid performance as his innocent yet sultry daughter; and Elizabeth Greer, Martha Demson, and Brad Culver are perfectly creepy as the demons of his nightmares.
Even with strong performances, Zimmerman's play, with its grand attempts at symbolism and poetic language, remains opaque. With serious editing it could be thought-provoking, but for now, most of its audience members may be left scratching their heads.
Presented by the Open Fist Theatre Company and Padua Playwrights as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival at Open Fist Theatre Company, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. June 17–24. Remaining performances: Tue., June 19, 6:30 p.m.; Sun., June 24, 3:30 p.m. (323) 455-4585 or www.hollywoodfringe.org.
