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The Duchess & the Stripper

ensemble theatre · David Bosley · Ages 18+ · 55 mins · United States of America

includes nudity world premiere
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the duchess & the stripper

Review by REAGAN OSBORNE

June 24, 2019 certified reviewer

What I liked

Hailing from a script by David Bosley and directed by Ezra Buzzington, “Duchess” impresses immensely and sets a high standard for future Fringe production teams. For just about an hour the audience is invited to bear witness to a starkly honest conversation between two women from seemingly very different backgrounds as they maneuver through their initial impressions, self-righteous judgments, sarcastic banter, and finally perhaps a mutual understanding? The script keeps things tight (save one small section near the climax; more on that below), and reads like a conversation from a great Elmore Leonard novel; watching two people talk to each other has never been more delicious. Buzzington keeps his staging simple, with the two women moving around a dressing room for most of the proceedings—Buzzington picks his moments of stillness wisely; when the women break from circling each other like fierce lionesses to stay still and actually listen to each other, it’s striking.

Of course, all of this would be meaningless if your actresses can’t deliver—suffice to say Chandler and Miller are more than up to the task.

Chandler is the picture of regal staunchness, in her long evening gown, fine jewelry, and her Transatlantic accent. She recalls the movie stars from the Golden Age as she parades across the stage, bringing a practiced etiquette which is dropped only every so often, revealing the vulnerability and regret that simmers just beneath the surface. It’s a heartbreaking performance and you can’t get enough of it. Her performance builds into a climax of its own, and the honesty of her last few moments will take your breath away.

Miller delivers a career-best performance here. Her Blaze whirlwinds onto the scene with the fearless sensual physicality Miller is known for. The stage is hers much as the dressing room is Blaze’s; and she keeps the drinks flowing and the costumes changing without ever missing a beat. Her southern twang is warm and charming but the zingers she delivers at breakneck pace are sharp and never miss the mark. But watch Miller when she’s still—when she’s at her mirror or hiding behind the drink cart. It’s in these moments where she reveals the price she’s paid, and is still paying; these brief flits of honesty and vulnerability are deftly executed and a sign that no one could have played this role but Ms Miller. In contrast to Chandler’s slow-burn, Miller’s Blaze burns brightly from the top and holds steady as more is revealed.

Special mention must be made of Krista Conti as Blaze’s sister June. Her moments of light brevity are appreciated and executed flawlessly, with a sharp turn towards the end that reveals her own emotional depth.

Serious level of talent on the stage here, folks. See this play.

What I didn't like

There is one small section toward the end of the show that shouldn’t be spoiled, but I felt betrayed the pacing of the script thus far. The performances elevate and the payoff is more than worth it, but it felt a bit gimmicky and why give us gimmicks when the core conversation is compelling enough?

A slight blip that doesn’t take anything away from the production, just a taste issue for this writer.

My overall impression

A refreshingly straightforward true theatre piece featuring a delicious conversation between two no-nonsense women brought to life by a sharp script, intuitive, no-frills direction, and firecracker performances.

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the duchess & the stripper