Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2026

Cincinnati Fringe 2026

Fringe reviews–all in one place! See which show is right for you as you explore the reviews organized on this page.

Keep checking back for updates as the LCT Fringe Reviewers make their way through all the amazing new works of Cincy Fringe 2026

SHOW TITLE

REVIEW LINK(S)

BRIEF COMMENT

1 Gay Wedding…Reception

Liz

Alan

Chase

“the characters remain lovable, and the show delivers exactly what audiences are hoping for: a very fun night at the theatre.” – Liz

“If you did not see 1 Gay Wedding…Kate the wedding planner gives the audience a recap of last year’s hijinks.” – Alan

“…beneath the comedy is a genuinely sweet story that gives audiences a reason to care about these characters and their relationships” – Chase

A Hollywood Horror Story

Alan

Liz

Kat

CHASE

“In short, see this play…TOP PICK”

“Garner fully delivers on the show’s considerable buzz. This is a must-see.” – Liz

“this show has Katrina’s rarely-invoked “Must-See” stamp of approval.” – Kat

Antonym

 

LIZ

 

Chase

“If you’re looking for the Fringe-iest show at Cincinnati Fringe this year, Antonym is in the running…Solasta Theatre Lab asks viewers to surrender traditional expectations of storytelling and engage with images, ideas, and emotions as they emerge.”- Liz

“the artistry and skill that Carr and Nenova put on is truly a sight to behold.” – Chase

Appalachian Songcatcher

LIZ

 

Kat

“By the end, I was hooked—and immediately followed her Instagram for more music” – Liz

“It’s easy to see how she has been entertaining folx since a tender age” – Kat

Bomb! An FBI Memoir

Alan

Liz

 

Chase

“Sean Miller-Jones is a standout playing Doc. Miller-Jones combines determination, intelligence, and heart to show the complexity of Yeager.” – Alan

“This is a promising start and an enjoyable musical. I look forward to the next iteration.” – Liz

“True crime, musical theatre, and a talented cast telling the story of an FBI bombing expert” – Chase

Champagne Dreams

LIZ 

 

CHASE

“Incredibly inventive and genuinely hilarious, Champagne Dreams is an alcohol-fueled fantasy of a 1980s timeshare salesperson trapped in the middle of winter. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” – Liz

“An excellent case of show don’t tell.” – Chase

Colonial Circus

CHASE

 

Kat

LIZ

“Holy hell did this show live up to the hype… 6 out of 5 stars. It’s so good I broke my rating system for it.” – Chase

“Sachin Sharma and Shreya Parashar (aka Two2Mango) have well-sharpened comedic chops and along with educated commentary.” – Kat

“The show is so good that it has been selected as a Fringe Encore” – Liz

Dizzy Miss Lizzie presents The Saints

Liz

 

Kat

CHASE

“If you’ve always wanted a mashup of Fringe and VBS (Vacation Bible School) this one is for you, featuring music, saints, and puppets.” – Liz

“beautiful vocals and musicality DMLRR possesses – not to mention a flair for satire” – Kat

“It’s like getting a Catholic Sunday school lesson from Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, which I mean as high praise.” – Chase

Early Bird

Alan

Liz

 

“Overall, Early Bird is an enjoyable visit to rural Kentucky.” – Alan

“Jack Fogle has developed a brand of storytelling that is charming, engaging and relaxed, taking its time as it wraps you in a warm embrace.” – Liz

Erys Sicthon

Liz

 

Alan

“The script is imaginative and thoughtfully constructed, weaving mythology, environmental themes, and contemporary political commentary” – Liz

“Keys creates a cautionary tale of political leaders disregarding the welfare of their subjects.” – Alan

Frontier So Far

Chase

Alan

“This show made me want to hug my Dad.” – Chase

“Woody and Buzz embody two archetypal energies that men can draw upon for constructing their masculine identity–the cowboy and the astronaut.” – Alan

Jon Bennet This Will Only Ever Happen Once

Alan

Kat

“While its stated focus is his lifelong love of animals, I left feeling it is equally a tribute to his mum.” – Alan

“well-told stories, lots of laughs, and a bit of a think (or two)” – Kat

Locusta’s School for Assassins

KAT

Chase

 

Alan

“this action-packed ride is a must-see” – Kat

“This is honestly one of my favorites this year. It’s funny, educational, and brutally honest about how messed up the Roman Empire was. 6 out of 5 stars.” – Chase

“Joy Weil holds everything together, keeping the action moving and the audience engaged.” – Alan

Memento Holly

Kirk

 

LIZ

“Two people who haven’t spoken in three years find themselves sharing a car, a destination, and the memory of someone they both loved.” – Kirk

“What surprised me most was how skillfully both performers balance comedy and grief in one of the most emotional journeys at this year’s Fringe. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.” – Liz

Modern Butchood

Kirk

 

KAT

“Molly Gloeckner has a very specific energy — imagine Hannah Einbinder from “Hacks” meets Fleabag. She uses every ounce of it in this smart, funny, surprisingly dark solo show.” – Kirk

“…another up-and-coming artist who might give Paul (Strickland) a run for his money…Intimate theatre at its finest.” – Kat

Papa

Liz 

 

Kirk

 

Alan

“His relationship with Dr. Frankenstein—his Papa—is strained, but as the Creature repeatedly reminds us, “he’s doing the work.” Rowe makes us both empathize with and root for this misunderstood creation.” – Liz

“A clown show about Frankenstein’s monster that’s secretly about what it means to be somebody’s child — delivered with total emotional commitment.” – Kirk

“Rowe and Eisenberg play well off one another. The chemistry makes for some memorable moments with plenty of heart.” – Alan

Private Equity the musical

LIZ

 

CHASE

“this is a sharp, funny, and surprisingly relatable musical about the increasingly bizarre world of modern corporate life. Highly recommended.” – Liz

“The music is catchy (Daniel Zimmer), and the main character (Aiden Sims) is sympathetic and easy to root for.” – Chase

Quiet Coyotes

LIZ

 

Alan

 

Chase

“All three performers are excellent, bringing warmth and credibility to their camp counselor personas. Their chemistry makes the audience genuinely invest in both the educational material and the fate of the camp itself.” – Liz

“This is a charming production that showcases the strengths of its actors.” – Alan

“The show is funny, environmentally conscious, and captures the enthusiasm and chaotic spirit of a real summer camp.” – Chase

Ratman Happy Place  –CANCELLED–
Tapped In (Dance)

LIZ

 

CHASE

“This is one of the best Fringe shows I have ever seen. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” – Liz

“Tapped In goes into the mystic origins of tap dance and explores how the art form has changed and evolved throughout the centuries.” – Chase

The Boy from Bantay

Kirk

Liz

 

Kat

“Rafal is so genuinely likable that you’re with him every step of the way.” – Kirk

“The Boy from Bantay is a warm and engaging. It reminds us that great artists are often shaped not only by formal training, but also by the stories, music, and shared experiences of childhood.” – Liz

“The show keeps a steady pace with storytelling, piano playing, and pop culture throwbacks all without feeling too “busy” – Kat

Transcendent

CHASE

Alan

“I loved and was horrified by just about every second of it.” – Chase

“This is an ambitious puppet show. It has something to say, and there are times where it succeeds admirably.” – Alan

Unreconciled Project

LIZ 

 

Alan

 

Chase

“a riveting yet heartbreaking hour of storytelling, memory, and testimony…HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.” – Liz

“He uses humor whenever possible to soften the horror. He slips easily in and out of several characters to offer comedic relief — such as his working-class, no-nonsense alter ego and his chain-smoking father.” – Alan

“Jay Sefton, who has the courage to tell his own story, does the work of five actors.” – Chase

What Art is…

LIZ

 

CHASE

“Did I learn the definitive answer to what art is? Of course not. The show is too smart to pretend there is one.” – Liz

“I have to give him credit for the research he did on Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife. Dudley does an admirable job of teaching about it”- Chase

White Whale

KAT

Alan

Chase

“a wee snapshot of local history in just under an hour” – Kat

“White Whale tells the remarkable true story of three white whales exhibited in Cincinnati during the Fourth of July holiday in 1877.” – Alan

“I have never felt so bad about whales.” – Chase

LIMITED RUN: Bloody Fairy Tales: Paul Strickland

KAT

 

Alan

“it offers everything you could want: beauty, suspense, the macabre, laughter, and (of course) a heartfelt lesson or two.” – Kat

“Bloody Fairytales is an entertaining and engaging show that showcases Strickland’s darker storytelling skills.” – Alan

LIMITED RUN: Madwomans’s Ball (Dance)

LIZ

CHASE

“I love how InBocca takes a piece of history and brings it vividly to life.” – Liz

“Kudos to Caroline Stine and the whole crew.” – Chase

LIMITED RUN: O’Fringe is the New Black

CHASE

LIZ

“O’Fringe is witty, sarcastic, and utterly irreverent.” – Chase

“The quick sketches keep coming and consistently earn big laughs from the audience.” – Liz

LIMITED RUN: True Fringe  No Review

Fringe in Development: Good…Girl?

Kirk“Duque is mesmerizing. Duque does remarkable things with body, voice, face–shifting from one person to the next with nothing to hide behind.”- Kirk
Fringe in Development: Home SickLiz“I am so glad I got to see this show…The alien costumes and props are–out of this world good!” – Liz
Fringe in Development: Minotaur in FlightChase“The costuming and fight choreography are particular highlights, helping bring the story to life.” – Chase
Fringe in Development: Talk on Stage (Dance)Chase

“…incredibly polished and well-rehearsed, with strong performances and impressive dance numbers throughout” – Chase

KIDS FRINGE:

Peanut Butter and Jams

Pato y Muerte

Liz

Liz

“The kids in the audience had a great time (at PB&J)–about 7 months to about 7 years to about 70 years! Overall it was a joy.” – Liz

——-

 “Pato y Muerte was the biggest surprise… Highly recommend.” – Liz

 

****Assume ALL SHOWS are RECOMMENDED, but these are a few HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Keep checking back for links to more Cincy Fringe 2026 LCT Reviews!

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