Absolute Black Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Recommended
"...Just as satisfying is the finesse with which Cate pushes past the tropes of the detective procedural to some insightful, touching reflections on sexual politics and unfulfilled physical and emotional longing. All in all, a square deal for your 15 clams."
LA Weekly- Recommended
"...Supported by Natalie Hyde's period-perfect costumes and makeup, Cate's exaggerated melodrama and broadly expressionistic mise-en-scene moves beyond simple burlesque to approach the transcendent threshold of Charles Ludlam ridiculousness."
LAist- Recommended
"...While the acting and overall flow of Absolute Black is at times so bad it is almost funny, strangely enough, the production emerges as a stylish and entertaining period piece peppered with a few spikes of theatrical brilliance."
The Tolucan Times- Recommended
"...A fun lovin' whacky murder mystery spoof, loaded with deceptive twists ‘n turns and romantic dalliances … this stylish "old tyme" romp is a lot of fun!"
LA Stage Times- Recommended
"...I had grown tired of theatricalized parodies of noir films. Most of them are too clever by half and/or get bogged down in inexplicable plots. But Vanessa Cate's Absolute Black at Zombie Joe's revives my interest in the form, because it positions itself closer to the real thing and farther from parody."