Review: ‘Earth, Wind & Car Fire’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival
- Dondre Tuck
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
In “Earth, Wind & Car Fire,” Janora McDuffie delivers a vibrant, deeply personal one-woman show that begins in Atlanta and journeys west to Los Angeles, tracing her exploration of identity, love and faith. With the candor of a confessional and the pacing of a well-tuned memoir, McDuffie invites the audience into her world — first as a bartender navigating new romantic territory, then as a woman confronting pivotal life decisions that test both her faith and courage.
McDuffie’s performance is captivating. Her ability to embody multiple characters — shifting voices, mannerisms and energy — keeps the storytelling dynamic. A standout moment occurs when she dons a “top man” hat and quips, “Men hold your lady tight because I can take your girl,” breaking the fourth wall with effortless charm and comic precision. This charisma, paired with her vulnerability, creates a powerful emotional connection with the audience.
Director Joseph Megel expertly navigates the limitations of a small venue to bring the story to life. His staging is deliberate, with every movement serving the narrative. The use of a projector to indicate scene transitions is both efficient and impactful, avoiding overuse while enhancing context. The lighting design further supports the story’s flow, guiding the audience seamlessly through emotional highs and lows.
Visually, the production is minimalist. Janora performs in all black, with only two red pillows, a neutral couch, coat hanger, Apple box and video projector composing the set. While her outfit doesn’t necessarily contribute to the storytelling, the simplicity keeps the focus on her words and presence. Lighting cues are effective, adding warmth or tension where needed, while musical moments — though sparse — heighten key emotional beats.
Themes of faith and obedience ring loudest throughout the piece. McDuffie portrays the inner conflict of living a dual life and the courage required to confront truth and authenticity. One of the more emotional moments involves her reckoning with whether to publish a revealing article, a choice that could unravel the neatly separated aspects of her identity. These moments of moral tension spark deep reflection and conversation — both during and after the performance.
The audience remained captivated throughout a recent performance, laughing heartily at comedic bits and falling silent in the show’s more emotional turns. “Earth, Wind, & Car Fire” is an intimate, spiritual and humorous story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever had to choose between comfort and conviction. With smoother scene transitions, this production could elevate even further — but as it stands, it’s already a compelling and worthwhile experience.
“Earth, Wind & Car Fire” will perform on Sunday, June 29 at 3:15 p.m. at Upstairs @ El Centro, 11038B N. El Centro Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets can be purchased through HollywoodFringe.org.
Comments