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Rag Doll on a Bomb Site

Dance & Physical Theatre · Shelley Cooper · Ages 15+ · United States of America

Content Warning One Person Show
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rag doll on a bomb site

Review by AZO SAFO

June 15, 2025 certified reviewer
tagged as: resilience · Strength · movement · Bold · art · biography

What I liked

The title of the show is very powerful. When it all makes sense and comes together, along with her movement, it really hits you. I love Shelley’s voice so I’m always going to enjoy hearing her sing. There are a couple of especially standout songs that have the element of female empowerment anthems.

What I didn't like

N/A perfect as is.

My overall impression

The show has Shelley Cooper’s signature beautiful singing and her distinct style of solo theater focusing on strong, misunderstood, and maybe forgotten, artists of the past. In this case, she is showcasing the fascinating and heart wrenching life of Lotte Lenya, who I knew nothing about going in, but after seeing this show, I feel compelled to learn more! Shelley’s writing is very strong. The music is lovely, yes, but I’m talking about the dialogue and the story itself, which is very impactful. And, just to add to her many talents, Shelley also incorporates dance and movement into this play, which is effective, especially in parts of the play that are heavier in subject matter. I was fully immersed in the world she creates, which is pretty amazing when you take into account that there is only a chair, water, and table on stage. And somehow, we manage to learn so much, and feel so much in the span of an hour. Wow!

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rag doll on a bomb site