Writer: Loree ’Rowdy’ Draude
Director: Beth Bornstein Dunnington
No, this is definitely not a show about Top Gun or Fleabag. Draude goes to great and amusing length to point this out. Her parents were both in the navy, so her early life was very unsettled moving around a lot. She resorted to food for comfort, not the ideal for an aspiring dancer.
As her dream of a life in the theatre was not supported she was encouraged to join up as her parents had. Her story unfolds as she takes you through a personal account of her life. Clinton lifted the ban on woman flying, so in1995 she became one of the first women to fly combat jets for the US navy and fly an aircraft carrier. Her story is interspersed with true humorous anecdotes which she acts out well.
This interesting autobiographical show began its life in Dunnington’s writing workshops. Some stories are from Draude’s book Just Another Navy Pilot, being dropped in along the way. She has written and acted in plays since primary school and while she has had a long wait she finally gets to be on stage professionally. Premiered in2021 at the United Solo Festival Off Broadway with Dunnington, who now lives in Hawaii, winning best Director.
The pre-show music could be a little lower, even covering some of the house announcements. Although a small intimate space, less than 100 seats, strangely Draude wears a mike, but still is not always clearly heard. The multiple lighting changes do not add much to the production, to the point of being distracting; Draude’s story is enough to hold you, like dropping her voice in an evening scene. It could possibly be enjoyed as much if on the radio or read. Many opportunities are missed to employ her obvious comic delivery and timing, which would broaden the shows appeal giving it more pace and variety.
This hour is not just informative about flying but about what can be achieved in life, not just Draude’s but our own. “ I believe everyone’s life is a unique story that can inspire others..” This story is certainly inspirational. Draude says she is “…basically talking about my life “and is ….loving this experience, performing for audiences at the fringe.” The small but perfectly formed audience certainly were appreciative of her story.
Runs until 27 August 2022
