So long and thanks for all the Fringe.
As Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2026 winds down I wanted to take a moment and thank all of the artists, techs, festival staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to this wild two weeks. It is a special time for all of us where we can come together and celebrate with some incredible performances from all over the world. I also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read my reviews and come to the festival.
Bomb! An FBI Memoir by Silver Linings Productions (Cincinnati, OH)
True crime, musical theatre, and a talented cast telling the story of an FBI bombing expert—all set to surprisingly upbeat musical numbers despite the incredibly dark subject matter.
The cast deserves praise for strong performances throughout. This show is an excellent example of theatre using real stories to create something that is both flashy and entertaining while still carrying genuine emotional weight.
The story follows Doc (Sean Miller-Jones), a veteran FBI explosives investigator with decades of experience. He excels at his job because, as he explains, he thinks like the people he is trying to stop. He even jokes that part of the reason the FBI hired him was because he scared them.
Over the course of the show, we witness the emotional toll the work takes on Doc, his team, and his wife. Sleep deprivation, fear for their families, and the grief that comes when one of their own is killed are all woven into the story. At times, the shifts in tone can be jarring, moving quickly from tender domestic scenes between Doc and his wife to the grim realities of investigating and cleaning up after bombings.
Still, the cast (Kimberly Borst, Jordan Whitaker, Maya Norman, and Zak Kelley) handles those transitions well, and the result is an engaging and often moving production. Despite the darkness of the material, I had fun.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Unreconciled by Unreconciled Project, Easthampton, Massachusetts
A powerful and deeply personal piece told by a survivor of abuse within the Catholic Church. This true story examines not only the actions of a predatory priest but also the culture, power structures, and institutional failures that allowed such abuse to continue unchecked for years.
The show is exceptionally well acted. Jay Sefton, who has the courage to tell his own story, does the work of five actors. He seamlessly portrays a wide range of characters while guiding the audience through an emotional and often difficult journey. His performance is compelling, vulnerable, and remarkably skilled.
This is a story about power, abuse, accountability, and the monsters that can hide behind the authority of one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential religious institutions. More importantly, it is a story of survival and truth-telling. A must-see production.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Quiet Coyotes by Green Fuse Productions, Southgate, KY
A fun, nostalgia-filled trip back to summer camp, complete with campfire energy, quirky counselors, and a dangerous situation that sends the staff spiraling into increasingly questionable decisions.
The show is funny, environmentally conscious, and captures the enthusiasm and chaotic spirit of a real summer camp. Audience participation is a key part of the experience. The performers do an excellent job of getting the crowd involved without making it feel forced.
My one criticism is that the show feels a bit unsure of its target audience. Many of the skits and camp activities seem geared toward children, while the framing story is clearly aimed at adults and includes themes such as drug use. The contrast can be somewhat confusing and makes it difficult to know exactly who the show is for.
That said, the cast’s energy is infectious. The production succeeds in delivering plenty of laughs while tapping into the nostalgia of summers spent at camp. Written and directed by Robyn Novak, Johnny Kyle Cook Assistant Director, with Ellen Broderick, Carey Davenport and Monica Tenhover.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
One Gay Wedding and Absolutely no Funerals: Reception to Follow by Ben & Justin Present (Cincinnati and Columbus, OH)
As a follow-up to their previous hit, this show delivers.
The wedding planner’s catch-up on events since the last installment is hilarious. Charlie’s increasingly questionable decision to dose himself with “molly” leads to some of the show’s biggest laughs. More importantly, beneath the comedy is a genuinely sweet story that gives audiences a reason to care about these characters and their relationships.
The cast (Ben Miller-Jones, Justin King, Ethan Cain, Tashauna Ajoi Jenkins, Micha O’Connor Perez) is charming, the writing is sharp, and the production strikes a nice balance between outrageous humor and sincere emotion. It’s a strong sequel. I can’t wait to see what this team does next.
Rating: 5 out of 5. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
That’s a Wrap on “Chase’s Fringe Reviews”
Cincinnati Fringe Festival is during the first two weeks of June in OTR, hosted by Know Theatre.
For a complete list of all of the LCT Fringe Reviews: Click here.
