Rag Doll on a Bomb Site

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 ... full review

RAG DOLL ON A BOMB SITE is striking, fascinating, and heartbreaking -- but also very well-written and performed, wonderfully balancing joy and sadness in a short time.... full review

Shelley Cooper’s production of is a testament to the transformative power of theater, transporting audiences to the show’s opening night of the “Three Penny Opera.”As composer, songwriter, author, and solo actor Shelley delivers a captivating performance, embodying the resilient spirit of Lotte, who inspires us with her unwavering dedication to her craft. Shelley has the talent to choose such interesting topics. She also tackles the sensitive topic of sexual abuse with unflinching honesty, rendering a performance that is both riveting and unforgettable. The harmonious blend of score, dance, and multimedia elements creates a truly unforgettable theatrical experience, igniting a sense of hope and empowerment in the audience. Bravo to Shelley f... full review

Beautiful show! Haunting, captivating and powerful - visually, vocally and movement wise. My brief theatre history knowledge of the subject was deepened and I grew a new appreciation for Lotte and her life. Can't wait to see what Shelly does next! ... full review

Fascinating material, emotional songs, beautifully sung. ... full review

From the moment the lights came up, Shelley Cooper’s voice gripped the room—lush, expressive, and immediately arresting. In Rag Doll on a Bomb Site, Cooper revives the story of Lotte Lenya, a lesser-known but formidable artist, through a fictionalized pre-show exchange with her husband, composer Kurt Weill. Rather than telling Lenya’s life in a straightforward chronology, Cooper crafts a dialogue-driven narrative that explores a pivotal moment just before a performance. Her vocals fill the black box theatre with haunting precision, supported by choreography that is as emotionally rich as it is elegantly restrained. Movement becomes language as she expresses fury, sorrow, and fleeting joy—all magnified by the contrast between her somber 19... full review

In 50 minutes, Shelley gifts us all her talents - researching, writing, composing, choreographing, performing, and producing. Brava! ... full review

Such a beautiful, powerful and engaging musical. Shelley's voice is silky and strong.... full review

I always look forward to the shows of Shelley Cooper at the Hollywood Fringe. They are musical biographies of women who made history not only with their presence but with their voices as well; La Divina: The Last Interview of Maria Callas and Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum were both Fringe standouts.... full review

Shelley Cooper is a masterful storyteller. Her unique style transcends solo theatre and transports her audience to a specific time and place. In a word...mesmerizing.... full review