Review: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017: THE GIRL WHO JUMPED OFF THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN at Noel Lothian Hall, Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Reviewed by Fiona Talbot-Leigh, Friday 10th March 2017

The Girl Who Jumped from the Hollywood Sign is JoAnne Hartstone's first offering as a solo show and one can only hope it won't be her last. This world premiere is a one of a kind show, written and performed by Hartstone, and it comes to life under the tight direction of Vince Fusco.

It is the story of Evelyn Margaret Edwards, set in LA in the 1940's. We first meet her as she climbs atop the large H of the Hollywood sign. From there, the story unfolds as Evelyn takes us back and shares with us how she, this beautiful young starlet, came to be at such a place.

Joanne totally embodies the character of Evelyn, and her American accent is relaxed and flawless as we are let into Evelyn's life through her many façades. Throughout the show Hartstone plays a number of different characters who she switches seamlessly from with ease, so much so that one could be mistaken for thinking there were more bodies on stage.

But no, it is just Hartstone, working alone amongst a very simple set as she brings to light all the colour and pizzazz of this era gone by. She unfolds her story through word and songs, originally sung by many of the great stars of the era, and her voice, just like her acting, is strong. Her contralto vocals make you think of a young Judy Garland.

During the course of the performance Hartstone has the ability to milk every line in this well written show. Her connection with the audience is instantaneous and from start to finish, both actor and audience member are one.

Her spin on the 1940's is different to what many may know and this show is in part a mini history lesson from these times. Hartstone has thoroughly researched her facts and the work pays off.

There is one question that hangs over the show for its duration; will she jump? Well, you are just going to have to buy a ticket to find out.

Shows like this are what the Adelaide Fringe is all about, a platform for artists to take a risk by putting themselves and their original art form out there in front of an audience, so get out there and support this wonderful local talent. The Girl Who Jumped from the Hollywood Sign is on until the 19th of March and is well worth a look.

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