Lexi Star’s Privates refers to private prostitution sessions offered by a young porn star as a side job. The fact that this encounter between Lexi and her john, a suicidal screenwriter, feels private and intimate is a tribute to the impressive skills of playwright Malcolm Pelles
The entire play is an encounter in a non-descript hotel room. We gradually learn that Brandon has an agenda for the evening, while the glib and blasé Lexi Star has her own problems. They engage in some witty conversational fencing, and at times start to make a real personal connection.
Malcolm Pelles has a strong ear for realistic dialogue as well as a gift for natural humor. Edward Daniels gives a convincing performance as Brandon, conveying his intelligence, his demons, and his difficulty in dealing with women. Mikhel Wirtanen is appealing, but a little less successful in giving dimension to her character.
The evening has some nice tension due to an opening scene that may or may not be a flash forward. Occasionally the reveals seem a little obvious and the play does not achieve quite as much gut-wrenching honesty as a truly great work, but these are minor quibbles.
Overall, Lexi Star’s Privates is a powerful and engaging work by a promising young playwright. This drama deserves a life beyond the Capital Fringe Festival. You should catch it now.
- Running Time: 80 minutes
- Tickets: Lexi Star’s Privates
- Remaining Shows: Sun, July 13 at 6:30pm . Sat, July 19 at 2pm . Fri, July 25 at 6pm . Sun, July 27 at noon
- Where: Warehouse Theater Next Door, 1021 7th Street N.W., Washington, DC.
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