Play On! A Musical Romp with Shakespeare’s Heroines
Reviewed by Julia Stier
Laura Jo Trexler (Hollywood Fringe Festival)
Through June 24
“If music be the food of love… PLAY ON!” With songs, some Shakespeare, and a whole lot of fun, Laura Jo Trexler trades iambic pentameter for catchy, original tunes in this one-woman musical review.
Creator and writer as well as performer, Trexler gives musical voice to the ladies of Shakespeare. She offers us a peek into the minds of some of the Bard’s most complicated characters, from Juliet to Lady M. The result is a creative project that is exemplarily executed, thanks to Trexler’s dynamic characters, soaring voice, and mastery of the piano.
This short, sweet show has many highlights. Awash in blue light, Trexler becomes Ophelia, singing a heartrending ballad that is this tragic heroine’s suicide note. (The night I attended, her soft voice and the gentle melody transfixed the audience.) The mood is then abruptly lifted by the upbeat and saucy lyrics of “Let’s Get a Room,” a song that captures the lustiness of one of Twelfth Night’s leading ladies, Olivia. Later, as an inebriated Adriana, Trexler takes on a bit of a country twang as she sings about her cheating man. Following that, with the help of a flashlight, she turns into a hypnotic Lady M.
Trexler doesn’t hide behind her piano, nor does she rely on the ingenuity of her songs. She is as much an actress as she is a singer, and fully embodies each character. For one number, she even leans back on the bench and throws her leg up on the piano. Watching her have that much fun up on the stage makes her show a pleasure to watch.
Hobgoblin Theatre, 6520 Hollywood Blvd.; June 24th at 11:30 a.m.; through June 24th. www.laurajotrexler.com; Running time: 45 minutes.
