Review: ‘Playback’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026

“Playback” by Jessica Fisher at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival is about a woman who shares negative information about her ex-boyfriend during a podcast and the controversy that ensues.

Set design is lovely, simple and gives the production exactly what it needs to tell this story, with four mics, two blue solo couches, one long orange couch sitting on top of a rug and a minibar on the left-hand side from the audience’s point of view. The design feels clean and intentional without overcrowding the space.

Direction by Brian Eckert also works well. Staging and blocking are simple but effective, and scene transitions flow smoothly. Audio playback of the podcast during scene transitions is a nice touch and helps give the production its own texture.

The acting and chemistry among cast members James Berry, Everleigh Brenner, Kylie Buckles-Hall and James Berry are enjoyable.. Some of the comedic moments early on feel a little heavy-handed, but overall, the humor lands and the cast works well together, doing a good job balancing the dramatic and comedic elements of the play and allowing both sides of the characters’ stories to come through.

However, though I understand that Fringe productions must move quickly, I do think this show would benefit from allowing emotional beats to sit with the audience a bit longer. Giving the actors permission to slow down, especially in the beginning, would help the more intimate moments feel more earned.

This was especially true for the first intimate moment between main characters Sully and Charlie, where I wanted to feel a more honest buildup before that shift happened. That said, one of the stronger visual moments is Charlie sitting in heavy red lighting after Sully leaves the stage. That choice is simple but effective and gives the moment room to breathe.

Overall, “Playback” is an enjoyable, well-written modern play with strong potential. The set is clean, the direction effective and the production has a clear sense of style. With a little more patience in the emotional beats and stronger commitment to playing the circumstances truthfully, this show could land even more strongly.

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