It’s May!
Most of you know what that means: Fringe is coming! The 23rd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival – affectionately known as Cincy Fringe–is only weeks away! It’s time to start planning your schedule and buying those passes and tickets.
Featuring over 150 performances of 35 unique productions from local, national, and international artists plus Late Night programming every night at 10 pm, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something which tickles your fancy. Here are just a few shows to which I am looking forward (in alphabetical order):
A Hollywood Horror Story
The wild true story behind TV’s first horror host, Vampira.
If there are two names which can make me run to Know Theatre during Fringemas, they would be Ingrid Garner and Vampira.
Ms. Garner, an 18-time award winner, is back in Cincinnati to tell the story of Maila Nurmi, television’s Vampira. While serving as inspiration to many spooky future characters (such as the iconic Elvira), Vampira’s road was not an easy one.
Ms. Garner’s high-level talent as a storyteller and performer, coupled with her smart use of multimedia, promise to be an entertaining time at Fringe. I have a selfish goal this year of chatting with Ingrid if for no other reason than to share stories about our mutual stomping grounds: LA.
Bloody Fairytales: Paul Strickland
Dark fairytales for adults where laughter and dread share space.
As part of the Limited Run series, Cincy Fringe will be graced with a veteran artist described as “Mark Twain on acid”–raconteur Paul Strickland.
This go-round offers “gorgeous, gruesome fairytales” along with music and a good laugh (or several). It seems each of his shows becomes my new favorite; a true sign of a master storyteller. Continuing to use his inimitable skills to combine old tales with new songs, Mr. Strickland’s new playlet is sure to appeal to the child in all of us.
Locusta’s School for Assassins
Two women bond over plants, poisons, and murdering privileged men.
Herbalist and history buff Samantha Joy Weil puts her many skills to good use by bringing audiences the story of the woman who served Nero his last drink. Described as “the misadventures” of Locusta and Agrippina, this show promises to be educational in ways one might not imagine.
While acknowledging the psychosis involved in being an assassin, Weil doesn’t shy away from why a person might be driven to kill. After her successful 2024 Fringe offering of Meet Me at the Bathtub: The short life and tumultuous times of Charlotte Corday, audiences can be sure they will get a dose of honest history along with some humor, herbs, and humanity.
O’Fringe is The New Black
A sketch comedy show – break out into laughter!
Wit’s End Productions is back after its sold-out premiere in 2025 with a brand new sketch comedy show, part of the Limited Runs series.
Combining humor with awareness, Wit’s End offers a view into the current political climate by way of a wonderfully entertaining escape from the daily grind. Founder Gauravi Shah, a Second City Toronto alum, makes sense of the world with comedy – and we are here for it.
PB&J Presents: Heroic Harmonies!
Interactive superhero training for young kids with live music!
Making its Fringe debut as part of the Kids Fringe series is Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions. This program is designed to bring families together and engage children ages two to six (and it is specifically states that sitting still isn’t expected!).
This presentation offers heroic tunes which celebrate super powers, both real and imaginary. With music, interaction, and a feast for all of your senses, PB&J will be your child’s favorite reason to wear a cape.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are on sale now – and there are many options to suit your needs and budget. Can’t get enough Fringe? The All-Access Pass is for you. Want to see a handful of shows? Pick yourself up a Flex Pass where you can catch 5 shows. Just need some individual tickets? Consider bumping those up to the Love Your Artist price. THat is one way to support the professionals who are gracing our Queen City in the coming weeks.
Be sure to visit the Cincy Fringe site for information and for a truly helpful schedule. The countdown starts now and we can’t wait to see you at Cincinnati’s Summer Theatre Party!
