Gloria 

Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
Lounge Theatre (Hollywood Fringe Festival)
Through June 21 

New Zealand writer/performer Amy Waller brings the story of her nana to life in her one-woman show, Gloria. Gloria Stanford, a real-life woman who grew up in Auckland during World War II, was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC). She met and had a brief, passionate affair with an American soldier, and in a time of high stakes and hormones (and poor birth control), the pair quickly got hitched and had a son before the father had to return to the line of duty. Although reluctant to move to America (she became a brief media sensation as “The Bride Who Wouldn’t Leave NZ”), Gloria at last relented for the sake of her son, Boyne.

The program does not note a director. Waller, a strong performer, could have used an outside eye to refine her performance. Still, her talent is apparent, and scenes of montage, dance choreography, film noir-style drama, and the use of props are exceptionally impressive for a one-person show in the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

The biggest accolades should go to sound designer Ben King, whose effects and soundtrack were brilliantly crafted and perfectly timed. Kudos as well to period-appropriate hair and makeup from Waller, though — given the lack of costume changes —more distinctively 1940s garb would have truly established the period.

The Lounge Theatre (Lounge 1), 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Through June 21; https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5317; Running time: 1 hour, no intermission