Review: ‘Arguments!’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival

Part of this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival and performing at the Zephyr Theatre, “Arguments!” is a one-act play by Evelyn-Claire Smith about a couple living together in New York who learn more about each other through their arguments.

The performances are natural, grounded, and easy to invest in. Actors Nikki Marie as Alma and Charlie Bauer as Alex each have a strong grasp of their characters and create believable chemistry that keeps the story moving. Their comedic exchanges feel genuine, and the emotional moments largely land.

There were a handful of such moments I wished the actors had sat a little longer rather than push through. Giving those moments more space would have allowed the emotional weight of the story to resonate even more deeply.

The set design does a nice job of creating the feel of a modest New York City apartment. The couch, coffee table, easel and subtle holiday decorations help establish the couple’s world without overcomplicating it. Lighting is one of the standout technical elements of the production, consistently supporting the mood of each scene and adding texture to the storytelling.

Direction, also by Smith, is overall thoughtful and well-executed. Blocking and staging are handled efficiently, and the production moves at a steady pace from beginning to end. There are a few moments where we don’t see the actors faces, but overall, staging is strong. Fringe productions often must move quickly, and while I felt the pacing occasionally rushes past some emotional beats, that never significantly hurts the show.

I especially enjoyed a train station sequence when the two main characters unexpectedly cross paths. It’s one of the most creative and memorable moments in the show. Projections are also used effectively to assist in scene transitions and added visual interest without distracting from the performances. There was one physical moment involving a slap that didn't quite land as effectively as it could have, but it was a minor issue in an otherwise well-directed production.

What impressed me most was the live music throughout the production, with musicians Aric Kline and Spurgeon Rice. Having a pianist and trumpet player performing jazz in real time during the performance gives the show a unique texture and atmosphere. The music subtly reinforces the emotional undercurrents of each scene while also helping comedic moments land naturally. It never felt intrusive and instead became an integral part of the storytelling.

“Arguments!” is a thoughtful and entertaining production that succeeds because of its strong performances, effective direction and excellent technical design. The live jazz musicians bring a unique energy to the piece, while the lighting and projections help create a rich theatrical experience. Although a few emotional moments could have been allowed more room to breathe, the production remains engaging throughout and is a worthwhile addition to this year's Hollywood Fringe Festival.

For tickets to this and other Hollywood Fringe Festival shows, visit HollywoodFringe.org.