David J, founding member and bassist for the punk rock band Bauhaus, has written a chilling new play, “The Chanteuse and the Devil’s Muse,” which premiered last night September 8th at the Bootleg Theater. Inspired by the still-to-be-solved case of the Black Dahlia, David J presents a new take on the grisly murder, focusing on the interrogation of jazz singer and actress Madi Comfort.
In 1947, Comfort had a brief relationship with Dr. George Hodel, the prime suspect in the murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short. Thinking that she may have information that could help the case, Comfort was interrogated by Lieutenant Frank Jemison. However, it would be nearly seventy years later, on her deathbed that Comfort finally shared the secret that she carried regarding the Black Dahlia.
“The Chanteuse and the Devil’s Muse” takes place on the night of the interrogation. David J revisits the Black Dahlia song cycle he had composed with Ego Plum of Ebola Music Orchestra to create a musical framework for the story. Madi Comfort is played by Daniele Watts, who channels the jazz singer’s historically-noted spunk and irreverence with ease. If her performance lacked anything, it was volume (she could be hard to hear at moments). Unfortunately, Douglas Dickerman’s Lieutenant Jemison fell somewhat short of what one would expect from a veteran L.A. cop trying to close a case. His interrogation tactics seemed better suited for a television-cop rookie. It felt hurried and emotional. David J’s dialogue almost begs for a stoic, push-you-til-you-break questioning. This is being chalked up to weak direction.
The musical interludes that break up the dramatization are accompanied by solo dance performances by butoh performer Vangeline, who’s stark and surreal turn as Elizabeth Short’s ghost lends a deeper element of drama. Comfort is obviously haunted by the case and what she may know, and as Short’s ghost gets closer, you almost think the chanteuse will break and tell the cop what she knows. Clumsy staging leaves too many shadows at times, breaking the stark contrast that they had hoped to portray with the traditional all white butoh performer against a field of black.
“The Chanteuse and the Devil’s Muse” is a solid work of experiemental theater. Watts and Vangeline are the strong points in the cast. David J’s music may not be for everyone, but it works well to give shape the play, which feels like an homage to film noir.
David J’s “The Chanteuse and the Devil’s Muse” runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through October 1 at the Bootleg Theater. Curtain time is at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $25 ($18 for students and seniors) and can be purchased online at www.bootlegtheater.org.
