Johnny Law, Courtroom Crusader

The Fringe Festival, which calls for simple sets and bare-bones productions, probably works best for solo shows. But it takes a talent like Ryan Meinelschmidt to demonstrate just how much one entertainer can do in an hour and 15 minutes. Written by Meinelschmidt and attorney Thomas L. Fox, Johnny Law is a funny, informative and moving account of the tribulations and triumphs of a public defender. Meinelschmidt plays judges, professors, prosecutors and a variety of criminals as he explains just what the American judicial system is and isn't. As Johnny Law, he takes well-aimed shots at senile judges, heartless prosecutors, and a system that encourages attorneys to "plead 'em out." Johnny is speaking from his hotel room, across the street from the court where he is defending a young man accused of growing and selling marijuana. He is frequently interrupted by phone calls that inform him of the latest developments in the case. This gives both structure and urgency to what might otherwise be no matter how fascinating, merely reflections. Director Christopher Fessenden seems to have a natural understanding of Meinelschmidt's strengths and the needs of a very unique show. Together they never let Johnny become too self-righteous, too despairing or too clownish. Johnny Law is a perfect balance of satire and sincerity, irony and indignation. At Pace - Schaeberle Studio Theatre. 75 minutes. [Simmons]