Review: Smart and funny ‘So Baby’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival
- Dondre Tuck
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
Written by Talisa Friedman, “So Baby” is a sharp, emotionally charged play about three college freshmen navigating the rocky terrain of new adulthood, identity and belonging. Set in a shared dorm room, the story revolves around the uneasy dynamic between two young women who conspire to oust their unwanted third roommate. Through this simple setup, the play explores themes of duplicity, the fragility of perception and the deep human need for acceptance.
The performances are thoroughly grounded and genuine. Each of the three actors brings a distinct presence to the stage, with Diana Malota as Roksana delivering a standout performance — her accent, timing, and emotional precision are captivating. While Ciara Cain as Jordyn and Emily Hope Turner as Miri portray their roles effectively, one wishes for deeper narrative arcs for their characters. Still, the chemistry among the trio is authentic and compelling, making their shared scenes a pleasure to watch.
Directors Josie Andrews and Sierra Nutkevitch guide the piece with a subtle but focused hand. Pacing is well-balanced, never dragging, and the fourth-wall usage as a mirror is a smart, theatrical touch. The minimal set and lighting design serve the piece without distraction, allowing the story and characters to remain front and center. The few musical cues are used cleverly — one memorable moment comes as “Old Town Road” plays in the background during a conversation about boys coming over.
Costuming plays a significant role in setting character expectations. Roksana’s provocative style, Miri’s modest attire and Jordyn’s trendy ensemble each speak volumes before a single line is delivered. And onstage costume changes are a creative decision that add momentum and intimacy to the show.
At the thematic core of “So Baby” are duality and acceptance. The standout moment — a fierce exchange between Miri and Roksana — brilliantly illuminates this. Miri, raised under immense pressure to succeed, explains her well-ordered path to college. Roksana, by contrast, reveals she glided in with wealth and charm. Yet both stand on the same ground. The play makes space for both truths, subtly underscoring how different paths can lead to similar destinations — and how both deserve to be seen.
The audience remained fully engaged throughout in a recent performance, responding audibly to the play’s wit and dramatic tension. Though the play concludes on a cliffhanger that may leave some wanting more closure, that sense of unfinished business only highlights how invested we become in these characters. “So Baby” is a smart, timely piece that delivers humor, heartache and social commentary in equal measure. Highly recommended.
“So Baby” continues at the Broadwater Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, with performances Friday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through HollywoodFringe.org. Run time is 90 minutes.
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