Written and directed by Jesse Feldberg.
Running from June 8th, 14th, 22nd ,23rd and 28th, 2019
Underground Annex Theater, 1308 N. Wilton Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90028
“Silver Bullet” is a story set in modern day.
“Silver Bullet,” an ensemble piece written by Jesse Feldberg, his first play as a writer and his second time as director and is performed at Underground Annex, at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. A play with a film noir styling, that stays true to the femme fatale tale but is set firmly in modern day, with a female captain who, in this case, serves as the comedic relief to an otherwise melancholy story.
The writer/director was very smart in following a tried and tested plot as his first play, with one thing as a constant, he can play around with the characters themselves. His use of gender swapping for the captain’s role, making the the two female friends business owners, and by bringing the dialogue written in this old style right into the present.
Casting hit a home run, brilliantly performed by casting director Steven Nelson. Each cast member embodies their respective character’s personality perfectly. There are wonderful and committed performances from our leading femme Miss Lila Caine and her so called best friend Angelina, portrayed by Katherine Kimbal and Eden Rubinpour respectively, along with the chameleon of the show, Sgt Michael who later re-appears as the waiter in two different scenes played by Raul Tapia. The young detective Mathieu, played by Mark Piller, didn’t move too far from the traditional expectations: handsome, loyal and inevitably romantically naïve. He let us into his somewhat more insecure self via a couple of monologues that were sweet and very funny. However, one performance that stood out was the captain, played by Taylor Mack, who nailed the comedic punches with expertise.
The wardrobe was one of the remaining traditional pieces in this noire, nothing wrong with that, though in a story with modern circumstances and dialogue, a wardrobe to match could have perhaps provided this The performances were beautiful and professional and the commitment and skill of this ensemble is a testament to their hard work. In one instance, our femme fatale incorporated a prop mishap flawlessly to her performance without sacrificing character. The venue is an intimate, tight space and yet it worked so well, the minimalism in set design worked spectacularly. But it’s the story that really kept us riveted, everything else is extra.production a refreshing finishing touch without sacrificing the essence of a Film noir, just a thought. Overall a really great production, I know all of the cast members will be busy working, as their talent can’t be tamed!
Great job for Jesse on his first written play, I look forward to seeing more of his work.
Written by Arcelia Martinez