Fringe Development: Z is for Zebra by Katie Scarlett (Cincinnati, OH)
When the show’s paper program is instead a syllabus, you better be ready for class. Local artist Katie Scarlett’s exceptional script is not only a lesson in medical terminology, but in the emotional toll of being “different” – even if you do have some things in your favor. With assistance of capable actors Kate Stark and Ben Dudley in multiple roles along with direction by the brilliant Liz Carman, Ms. Scarlett bravely shows the audience her vulnerable side in sharing her own personal struggles with chronic illness and pain and what those mean in the “real world”. The production is earnest, hilarious, excellently paced, and just plain smart. When someone invents a verb with the question “Are you Christmas Carol-ing me?”, you know the play will be something different.
As I said to the artist herself: the development phase is over and she now has herself a SHOW.
Hey, Cincinnati Fringe: could we maybe create a special slot for a Development Encore in the future? I know that might be a tall order, but I also think it’s worth considering.
A Cabaret of Legends by Dynamite Lunchbox Entertainment (Orlando, FL)
I will admit it: I was a bit skeptical of how a cabaret of well-known songs could be considered eligible to be a Fringe show. However, Tymisha Harris’ ode to legendary black female vocalists is non-stop entertainment. Combining some education with good old-fashioned talent, she is a consummate professional. This isn’t your standard park-and-bark performance: there are projections, costume changes, and audience interaction. It’s classic Vegas mixed with modern advances in a really creative way. There is no doubt that Ms. Harris’ vocal chops are up to snuff, but there is an innate likability that just shines through as she performs that makes you want to cheer even harder.
ONLY ONE PERFORMANCE REMAINS at Know Theatre: June 8 at 6:45pm.
Every Good Story Ends With One by Martin Dockery (Brooklyn, NY)
When I heard rumblings that this turn of Martin Dockery’s was particularly high speed and in your face, I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, his 2025 Cincy Fringe offering is a fantastic one, whirlwind and all.
Mr. Dockery tells us about an “unsuccessful” run of a show in Australia which not only gave him insight into what dying might be like, but led to a mysterious romance. With his animated communication in both voice and body, we are taken on an unexpected journey of artistic failure, a secret admirer, and self-reflection.
Mr. Dockery’s story-telling style is engaging and unconventional, but it’s a whole hell of a lot of fun.
ONLY ONE PERFORMANCE REMAINS at Coffee Emporium: June 8 at 8:30pm.
Eleanor’s Story: Life After War by Ingrid Garner (Los Angeles, CA)
Back for her second year in a row with a “part two” of her grandmother’s autobiographical story, Ingrid Garner takes on some new and familiar characters. (Note: you do not have to have seen the “first part” of this show to understand/appreciate this one.)
Ms. Garner’s character work is impressive and her storytelling is thoughtful. While she could not have known at the time of her adaptation of her grandmother’s book that this sequel would be so timely, it is even more apropos given the current political climate. It isn’t always fun to address the hard topics, but it is necessary and somehow comforting. With an artist of Ms. Garner’s extraordinary talent, you won’t want to miss her 2025 visit to the Queen City.
ONLY ONE PERFORMANCE REMAINS at First Lutheran Church Sanctuary: June 8 at 4:15pm.
Kat’s Fringe: The Sweet and Lowdown
There is still one more week for some serious Fringe-ing!
In addition, the Encores have been announced:
- Tea TIME by Erika MacDonald out of Covington, KY
- THE FAMILY CROW: A Murder Mystery by The Pucking Fuppet Co out of Toronto, ON
- Traitors by Stix Eris out of Cincinnati, OH.
Flex Passes are a great option at this stage of the game if you’d like to get the most for your money. But don’t wait too long to purchase your tickets: this weekend was rife with sell-outs! So get out there and continue to support live theatre. CLICK HERE for tickets.
