In Round 2 of Kat’s Fringe 2025 experience, there was a lot of something I am coining right this minute: whimsical realism. From sunken ships to clowns (I was brave), from gamers to lockdown confessions; nothing seemed off-limits in this group of offerings.
Whispers From the Deep by A to Z Productions (Covington, KY)
I will admit it: I am not always enthusiastic about a show when I read there will be puppets involved. (The irony of my being the only puppet in a Fringe show circa 2022 is not lost on me with that statement.) However, A to Z Productions always brings their A-game and Whispers From the Deep is no exception: it’s spooky, silly, and downright sassy. The balance of multi-media use throughout is seamless and effective. With a strong script, solid performances, and a catchy sea shanty, you will be entertained from start to finish.
OVERALL: The brains behind A to Z are incredible ones and this show is highly recommended, so sit back and enjoy the tales of the sea.
Remaining Performances at First Lutheran Church Basement:
- June 8 at 6:45 PM
- June 11 at 8:30 PM
- June 13 at 8:30 PM
Bubblegum by Solasta Theatre Lab (Cincinnati, OH)
You can always count on Solasta Theatre Lab for a show which is way outside the box. Described as a “not-for-children children’s TV show”, Daniela Nenova is the title character, a lovable (?) clown named Bubblegum. Director E. Carr takes advantage of Mx. Nenova’s physicality with excellent use of the playing space, not to mention a myriad of props. Bubblegum is doing their best to provide good, independent television content…or are they being guided (read: compelled)?
OVERALL: A funny and thought-provoking tale which reveals it’s true intention at the perfect pace.
Remaining Performances at First Lutheran Church Basement:
- June 5 at 6:45 PM
- June 11 at 6:45 PM
- June 12 at 6:45 PM
Trumpets! A Pretty Gay Video Game Play by Studio Apartment Theatre Collective (Cincinnati, OH)
In a love letter to fanfic, queerness, and themselves, playwright Remy Elton-Alexander’s first Fringe offering is quite the ride. Our narrator, Pocket, takes us into their world of a formerly strict Catholic girl who comes to realize it is best they cancel their subscription to gender (credit to a very good pal, Ren, for that verbiage) and many more of the doctrines imparted on them in their youth. In the aftermath of a devastating breakup, Pocket turns to their memories of a safe place in a particular game – and it ends up taking them on a journey of discovery they could not have imagined at its onset.
OVERALL: With a strong and committed ensemble of performing artists, Trumpets! is action-packed, funny, and touching. Full disclosure: the description indicates “no prior experience necessary”, but I do think it will probably hit harder if you are familiar with the game they are parodying.
Remaining Performances at Gabriel’s Corner:
- June 7 at 4:15 PM
- June 13 at 8:45 PM
Stuck by Wicked Cat Productions (Brooklyn, NY)
With as much theatre as I see, it can be tough to surprise me – but Stuck penned by JJ Ivey understood the assignment. Described as “teenage fantasy becomes messy reality when old friends unite”, this is the story of two life-long best friends whose paths have separated them from a nostalgic closeness they shared for years. In the thick of lockdown 2020 (#iykyk), Drew returns to his hometown to stay with his mother and his bestie seeks him out one evening to reminisce. But the evening goes in unexpected directions with both humor and touching reflections.
Particular praise goes to Royce Thomas Johnson who plays drunk better than just about anyone I’ve seen. The intimate evening between the queer friend who went to New York to be an actor and the straight pal who stayed in town to marry (and impregnate) a local girl is a beautiful study in acknowledging the demons foisted upon those who are different by others as well as the demons they inflict on themselves. Well-written and superbly acted.
OVERALL: This is one of my top three shows of Fringe 2025 thus far and it will be tough to knock it out of contention. I highly recommend you do not miss this one.
Remaining Performances at Gabriel’s Corner:
- June 6 at 7:00 PM
- June 8 at 8:45 PM
Kat’s Sweet and Lowdown
We’re not even half-way through, folx! So many more shows to see and so many more chances to see them. And don’t forget those limited runs, including Fringe Development pieces. Be sure to visit the home of everything Cincy Fringe and buy those tickets. Passes are still an excellent option with so many more days to join the party.
Get out there and support live theatre, tip your bartenders, and thank a Fringe staff member today for giving it their all!
