Sticky Fingers

Reviewed by Gray Palmer
The Dorie Theatre at Complex Theatres
Through June 25

RECOMMENDED

In a carnival atmosphere it’s a good sign if thieves are well-represented. Terry Anne Holzman’s Sticky Fingers, now playing at the Fringe, is an amusing drama about women convicted of shoplifting. It takes place at a court-mandated group session that’s been facilitated by a loss prevention professional (the very good Maya Ferrara).

There are seven women, each with their own crime story. They’re nicely differentiated — and not all of them are ashamed. Some are defiant or professional, and from them we get hints of the codes of various thieves.

Holzman’s writing crackles. The character Deidre (Dionne Jones) steals a red jumpsuit, enabling her to have erotic relations which before had been impossible: “That jumpsuit did what years of Catholic plaid could never do…”  Still, stealing and her “new character” are much more exciting (and baffling) than sex, which seem like the “equivalent of installing carpet — a lot of pounding.”

All of the actresses are well-cast: Sidney Aptaker as a teen who steals cosmetics, Fiona Lakeland in two roles (one of them based on Winona Ryder), and Francine Daniels as a hardened shoplifter. At the preview I attended, I especially admired the relaxed and well-placed performances of Hallie Mayer, Maya Ferrara, and Breon Gorman.

Ernie Holzman directs.

The Dorie Theatre at Complex Theatres, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3645; through June 25. Running time: 50 minutes.