Review: Tour-de-force ‘Reservoir Dolls’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival
- Dondre Tuck
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Written by Lani Harms and directed by Laurie Magers, “Reservoir Dolls” played its final Hollywood Fringe Festival show at The Broadwater Studio on June 28, delivering a clever and inventive one-woman performance that merges theatrical storytelling with cinematic flair.
The piece follows Atlanta Springfield, a barefoot call-girl in a dingy Los Angeles bar, who discovers she’s merely a character in Quentin Tarantino’s imagined tenth and final film. Realizing she exists inside Tarantino’s head, Atlanta attempts to escape, but not before confronting the many iconic women from his filmography.
The show includes witty references — like a funny nod to Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” — and uses a projector not only to advance the story but also to peer into Tarantino’s imagined mind, blending live performance with filmic visuals for a uniquely hybrid experience.
Harms shines in this production, delivering a tour-de-force performance that is both physically demanding and highly entertaining. Her charismatic stage presence and comedic timing keep the audience engaged, and her impressions of various Tarantino heroines — especially her spot-on portrayal of Beatrix Kiddo from “Kill Bill” — are highlights of the show. Harm’s performance is a vivid reminder of the athleticism and versatility demanded of actors, and this piece feels like a personal creative showcase for her talents.
Magers’ direction is clean and effective, creating a space that allows Harms the freedom to explore the material without feeling constrained. The use of the projector adds a dynamic layer, transforming the stage into a cinematic environment that never overpowers the live performance. The show’s pacing is brisk and sharp, ensuring it never loses momentum.
Visually, the production impresses with costumes that accurately reflect Tarantino’s characters and serve as crucial storytelling tools. Quick costume changes are handled seamlessly, and lighting plays an essential role, particularly in a memorable moment when the lights turn red to mirror Beatrix’s fury toward Mr. Phil, immersing the audience further into her psyche.
Sound design and music effectively enhance the atmosphere, complementing the show without distracting from the storytelling. Together, the technical elements create an immersive environment in which the audience can easily suspend disbelief and be swept into the narrative.
While there isn’t a single dominant theme, the production ultimately celebrates the power of reimagining and creativity. Harms doesn’t merely impersonate characters from Tarantino’s films; she infuses them with her own unique spin, reminding the audience of the endless possibilities of imagination.
The audience responded warmly, thoroughly engaged and eager to see each new transformation unfold onstage. “Reservoir Dolls” is an inventive, playful tribute to Tarantino’s universe and a brilliant vehicle for Harms’ considerable talents. It’s a show I’d highly recommend, though I found myself wishing it had run a bit longer, simply to spend more time in its vibrant world.
“Reservoir Dolls” performed during the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2025 at The Broadwater Studio, 1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles. For more information, visit LaniHarms.com.
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