The Hollywood Fringe Festival is in full swing and this time we are reviewing Holy Waters, written by Eleanor Vigneault and directed by Augusta Mariano.
A daughter (Eleanor Vigneault) is on the phone getting fired when she receives the surprising visit of her mom (Anita Barone). With no job, no boyfriend, and only a toy as a companion, the daughter doesn’t seem to have much of a future. The mom decides to take her daughter on a road trip and figure out their relationship along the way, with the help of some whisky, of course.
Vigneault explores the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and the hardships of a household with limited income that pushes the tolerance of the family members to the limit. As they travel together, the contrasts and similarities between the two become more evident, for better or worse.
Vigneault and Barone excel in their roles in this heartfelt and exceptionally hilarious play. The seriousness of their fragility and religious undertones is offset by the continuous comedic lines that they deliver so naturally. Director Augusta Mariano uses of the limited space creatively. Even though is a small stage, Mariano moves the action around, using every inch of the available space.
The writing, directing, and acting make Holy Waters a rare find this festival season. It’s a snippet of the talent working creatively in intimate theatres; a showcase of the potential in the thriving LA theatre scene.
Holy Waters
Actors Company (The Little Theater)
916 N. Formosa Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Opening: Sunday 6/4 @ 4pm
Friday 6/9 @ 8:30pm
Saturday 6/10 @ 12:30pm & 11:30pm
Closing: Sunday 6/11 @ 6:30pm
Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9929
Written by Eleanor Vigneault. Directed by Augusta Mariano. Starring Anita Barone and Eleanor Vigneault. Creative team: Stage Manager Maddy Glave, Sound Design Jeremy Robinson, Set Design Mike Mariano, Board Op Ezra Fisher.
