Fever Dream Repertory presents Bruce Walsh’s james

At first glance, this premise seems well-suited for a charming one-act play. However, in its current form, james feels both underwritten—leading to confusion—and overwrought. The characters fall into two distinct modes: the grounded yet quirky realism of James, his partner Leanne (Jess Otterbine), and his daughter Rose (Britt Fauzer), versus the bizarre, often oracular figures of the Taptacular. This contrast creates tension, but not always in a productive way. The relationships between the real-world characters progress so rapidly that they lack emotional stakes. James wins the sweepstakes and immediately gets serious with Leanne, making their relationship feel unearned.

A similarly frustrating dynamic emerges between James and Rose. We learn that Rose’s mother died shortly after childbirth, and early on, she expresses a desire for James to win the Taptacular. Yet as the play unfolds, she shifts from a self-absorbed teenager to a self-absorbed bride, with little in the script or performance to add nuance to their relationship. Beyond parental obligation, their bond remains frustratingly underdeveloped.

Worlds collide

In contrast, the Taptacular characters are vibrant and eccentric. Nina Vitek delivers an engaging opening monologue as fashion designer Germani Geffen, while Stevnie Smith Iannettoni gives a fully realized performance as an immortal, alcoholic TV personality. However, despite their colorful presence, the mechanics of the fantastical Taptacular remain murky, if not outright incomprehensible.

The play shines when these two worlds collide, offering moments of comedic joy and reflective poignancy as the Taptacular figures comment on the struggles of their human counterparts.

Directed by Russ Walsh, the playwright's father, james is clearly a personal endeavor for them both, as noted in the program. A director with more distance might have shaped the play into a more coherent work.

The production’s minimal set design is serviceable, and while Emily Parker’s costumes meet the script’s demands, they fail to evoke the sartorial wonder the story suggests.

An elusive message

Ultimately, the play’s message remains elusive. James undergoes a personal transformation that brings him fulfillment but alienates him from his daughter. The clothes are a vehicle for self-discovery but take on deeper, ambiguous significance. With a few script refinements and a clearer directorial vision, james could achieve a more satisfying resolution—even if that resolution remains open-ended. As it stands, the play doesn’t quite fit.