This may be simplifying it - but a one-person show is hard to pull off. If the audience doesn't connect to the story or the performer lacks engagement then there is no other cast to fall back on. "The Gimmick" is like many solo shows; intensely autobiographical and fortunately for L.A. theater goers, she holds your attention. In the intimate walls of the Fountain Theatre, Dael Orlandersmith tells the tale of Alexis, an underprivileged black girl trying to escape her fate in 1970s Harlem - which means avoiding the hustles and sins or "gimmicks". She finds solace in books. She finds power in the written word. We hear pages from Alexis' journal and Orlandersmith doesn't neglect the message as she packs the show with fierce alliteration and repetition. As she reenacts the moment Alexis discovered the liberating power of words all I could think was this should be required viewing for public school kids. Like many one-woman shows, Orlandersmith acts out the cast of characters. There's the local working girl, a constant reminder of what she does not want to become, the drunk and constantly disappointing parents, and the highlights: her best-friend Jimmy, and her mentor the local librarian. The supporting characters are so real and at the same time brilliantly larger life, as they shine through the Alexis' eyes. Often their words are choked in tears. I found myself wiping my eyes a lot during the 60 some minute show. The Gimmick is an emotional story and never holds back the bitter pain of self-exploration. Orlandersmith's journey is our own, full of heartache with constant hope for artistic triumph. The engaging journey is an enjoyable one, not to be missed.

The Gimmick runs until October 1. Wed-Sun. 8pm
Fountain Theatre
5060 Fountain Ave.
East Hollywood, 90029
Box Office 323/663-1525

Labels: performances, reviews