Review by Chase Johnson
I have had the privilege of seeing Cracks twice. The first time was at the 2024 Cincinnati Fringe Festival and the second was this Saturday evening at Know Theatre Cincinnati.
The Plot
Written and performed by Claire Lochmueller, Cracks is their story of growing up, being a young member of the Catholic church, attending a JROTC High School, learning from the man who bragged about causing Black Hawk Down, and how Lochmueller engaged in the High School version of stolen valor by stealing other cadet’s achievement ribbons. All this–as well as a pretty hefty drinking problem and their romantic relationships–influenced and effected their journey as a trans woman.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Lochmueller is hilarious and a gifted storyteller, with strong timing and physicality. Much of Cracks is humorous, and then it shifts to darker tales. I felt deeply sympathetic during their story about their drinking and while it is presented in a very humorous way, many of the anecdotes are deeply personal.
The Current Iteration
Seeing Cracks again after two years of refinement and practice is something that I–as a long time Supporter of the Fringe Festival–love to see.
Having said that, the piece could still use a few technical tweaks. For starters, while the staging is relatively simple, Lochmueller doesn’t do a whole lot with it. Part of this could be that I watched this on Know’s Underground Stage which is a bit smaller than average. There are also a few issues with delayed sound cues which, to their credit, Lochmueller plays off as a bit. But it was a bit jarring to hear the cues right in the middle of the next sentence. Finally, the transitions between scenes are mostly just blackouts which really pauses the flow of the piece. Other than those minor issues the show does a great job of provoking laughter and providing a viewpoint that is desperately needed.
The Bottom Line
Cracks is an excellent show in the making by a skilled storyteller. I highly recommend you follow Lochmuller’s current journey and see the next iteration of this show.
Claire Lochmueller is a Cincinnati Fringe Alumni and supporting their work is an excellent way to support Cincinnati Theater.
Make sure to catch the next Cincinnati Fringe Festival, 14 days of Live Performance from Independent Theatre Makers in pop-up venues all over OTR May 29-June 13, 2026. Go to cincyfringe.com to read more.
