What I liked
• Rheagan’s acting range and emotional depth—she moved seamlessly between humor, heartbreak, and honesty.
• Her impeccable timing and delivery, clearly reflecting her years of experience as a child actress.
• The intimacy and vulnerability she brought to the storytelling—it felt raw and deeply personal.
• The clever use of humor to balance heavy emotional themes.
• The way she honored her mother while also exploring complex grief and identity.
• Her presence on stage—she completely owned the space.
• The structure of the piece—it flowed beautifully and kept me engaged the entire time.
• How effortlessly she embodied different versions of herself throughout her life.
• The authenticity—every moment felt grounded and real.
• The way the show left me wanting more. I left feeling like I had just scratched the surface of a fascinating life story.
What I didn't like
The only thing I truly wished for was more time and space for the show to breathe. I’m looking forward to seeing it evolve in a setting where it’s not as tightly timed, so we can fully sink into the emotional depth of her story. Some of the video clips, especially the VHS segments, could linger a bit longer to let the nostalgia and meaning really land. I’d also love to help her clean up and enhance the audio on those older clips—there were a few moments where it was hard to hear, and having consistent audio throughout would elevate the overall impact even more.
My overall impression
I had the honor of designing the concept and poster for Stage Mamma, which meant I got to spend time with Rheagan Wallace and hear her story before ever seeing the show. From our very first meeting, I was fascinated—her life, her energy, her depth. I knew immediately I had to come see the show before filming it for her later this month.
And wow—what a performance.
Stage Mamma: From Child Star to Leading Lady is a stunning, emotionally rich solo show that left me wanting more. Rheagan’s years of experience as a child star and actress shine through in every beat—her comedic timing, emotional depth, and sheer presence are mesmerizing. She weaves together her story with honesty, humor, and heart, inviting us into a world that’s equal parts Hollywood, heartbreak, and healing.
The show is beautifully layered—grief, legacy, identity, and transformation—all told with the kind of nuance that only a truly seasoned performer can deliver. I was so impressed. I didn’t want it to end. She’s endlessly intriguing and immensely talented.
Don’t miss this show. Stage Mamma is a must-see at Hollywood Fringe and a brilliant debut from an artist who has so much more to share. – Mary Lou Sandler, 3 cubed studios, LLC
