Reviews by Liz Eichler
Three more solid Cincinnati Fringe shows on Sunday. Three fantastic days at Cincinnati Fringe ’25 and now a day to digest.*
Eleanor’s Story: Life After War by Ingrid Garner from Los Angeles, CA
This is a highly polished, personal story about life after World War II, for presenter Ingrid Garner’s grandmother, an American who spent the war years in Berlin. This is the second part of last year’s highly acclaimed Eleanor’s Story: An American Girl In Hitler’s Germany, which won Garner the Linda Bowen Full Frontal Pick of the Fringe Award from Cincy Fringe.
The performance begins with authentic radio clips placing us in 1946, when Eleanor is 16 years old–and residing in Berlin with her parents, older brother and younger siblings. They moved to Berlin for her father’s job, then war broke out while they were at sea. They could have returned, but the German government would not let their mother go back to the US. So they stayed. They witnessed many atrocities and kindnesses over those years, and Eleanor grew up fast.
When Eleanor returns to the US as a teenager, she realizes she is behind academically and socially. And she is able to have a new relationship with food and fashion.
Garner deftly transitions between characters. Her accents are flawless (from her German mother, to the girl from Wisconsin, to Russian soldiers) and her movements make it 100% clear who is speaking.
Her scenery consists of 2 chairs and a trunk. She wears a 1950’s ponytail and authentic day dress (and slip). With this simplicity and her skill, she is able to transport an audience into those times and experiences.
OVERALL: This show made me laugh and feel deeply, but along with the tears, come strength and joy. It is a highly professional performance. Highly recommended.
Upcoming Performances Eleanor’s Story: Life After War at First Lutheran Church Sanctuary
- June 5 Thu – 7:00 PM
- June 7 Sat – 7:00 PM
- June 8 Sun – 4:15 PM
Me, Myself and Other by Diana Romero & Maggie Whittum from Los Angeles, LA
This show begins with a disclaimer: the events are fictional, bearing no resemblance to actual events. Wink. Wink.
Diana spins her tail about being born in Topeka, KS to immigrant parents from Colombia in South America. She joyfully tells about how her parents connected in grad school–hippie atheists who fell in love, got married, moved to the US and started their family.
Then, they moved back to Colombia, where her cousins called her a gringo. Despite her 100% Colombian heritage she did not belong. Nor did she feel she belonged in the very white US as a Latina.
Her parents continued to surprise them with multiple life changes. And then life itself presented her with a new challenge. MS.
Diana not only shares a story of loss and regaining control, she weaves in her mother’s fierce love and companionship along the way.
Additionally, she shares about horrific laws passed to hide people away with disfigurements or disabilities–which were only removed in the 1970’s. I am still in shock.
OVERALL: A solid presentation to understand how we make people feel less than.
Upcoming Performances of Me, Myself and Other at Know Theatre
- June 3 Tue – 8:30 PM
- June 7 Sat – 4:00 PM
- June 11 Wed – 6:45 PM
- June 13 Fri – 6:45 PM
American’t by Jon Bennett from Adelaide, Australia
This is the 3rd Jon Bennett show I have seen at Cincinnati Fringe and he doesn’t disappoint. It is also the first show my husband chose for his Flex Pass, as he remembered enjoying each past performance.
Bennett, appeals to the 13-year-old boy in everyone. He proudly reminds us his first claim to fame (and off-Broadway show) was about making things look like his (male appendage).
In American’t, he apologizes first that he is in a church sanctuary, but proceeds to deliver his NSFW show with frantic energy and boyish charm. Halfway through his rant about Covid and Australia, it occurred to me the show is called American’t–and then it becomes painfully clear why.
OVERALL: This is roll-in-the-pews funny. So, If you’re not offended by the c, f, or p words–in a church sanctuary–this is a must see.
Upcoming Performances of American’t at First Lutheran Church Sanctuary
- June 5 Thu – 8:45 PM
- June 7 Sat – 8:45 PM
- June 10 Tue – 7:00 PM
- June 12 Thu – 7:00 PM
Get More than Liz’s Take: Find all LCT Fringe Reviews
Find all of the LCT Fringe Team reviews from Alan, Aiden, Ella, Kat and Shawn in this EASY TO READ GRID.
Keep checking back as new shows open and our reviewers get a chance to make their recommendations for YOU!
*Food Recommendations
Speaking of digest, Mellotone Beer Project (the former Taft Brewery on Race), and TeakOTR are within walking distance of Cincy Fringe. Both offer friendly fast service, accommodating FCC fans and Fringers alike. I dined at both this weekend with my family. Mellotone has burgers, chicken sandwiches, greens, salads, great fries and more. Teak has Thai food and sushi. We split spicy tuna and sweet potato rolls (yum!) and Pad Thai (we were advised to split a dish if we didn’t want to carry around leftovers–great advice, Kat).
Of course, Know Theatre Underground Bar is a great place for libations and conversation. They offer beer, wine, some mixed drinks, non-alcoholic options–and tea. I highly recommend you stop in!
