By Liz Eichler, updated 6/12/25
Solid shows on both Tuesday and Thursday nights! And again over the weekend! Here’s more of Liz’s Takes on the Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2025.
THE FAMILY CROW: A Murder Mystery by The Pucking Fuppet Co., Toronto, ON
This show is polished and professional in so many ways. Yes, black feathers will do that for you, but it also reflects clever grasp of wordplay and a sense of fun.
Adam Francis Proulx has been appearing in Fringe Festivals since 2014. He controls the stage, and has a number of strong bits with great audience appeal. His show begins with a disclaimer–if we are not up for his puns we can leave now. He also selects an audience member to help with a key–and effective–technical bit.
This is the story of a murder of crows and a crow murderer–and how one crow is the chief sorter-outer of murders of crows. The show has about 100 crow related puns, from the names of the crows involved (including Mike Crow–say it out loud) to crow-tons in your salad, to the famous crow prison–Alcrowtraz. Proulx has a great vocal range, expert timing, and the audience is rapt.
He has a clever use of desk lamp lighting controlled by foot pedals (but it is in need of some masking for looks and perhaps his safety.)
The only drawback is the sound. While the ornate wooden sanctuary adds to the show, the location and type of speakers provide some distortion, especially during the few rapid fire moments of the show. Proulx has the articulation and vocal modulation to overcome the majority of the issues.
OVERALL: Sit up front for this clever murder mystery. 100% engrossing
Upcoming Performances of The Family Crow: A Murder Mystery at First Lutheran Church Sanctuary
- June 12 – 8:45 PM
- June 14 – 6:45 pm as part of the Fringe ENCORES!
Whispers from the Deep by A to Z Productions, Covington, KY
I had little of no expectations for this play/musical and was greatly surprised at the cleverness of the writing, and the strength of the storytelling.
There are 3 stories–and each is compelling in its own way. Zoe Peterson, Merritt Beischel and Alexx Rouse lead the stories–each gets the audience invested in them. Zach Robinson and his booming voice provide some puppetry and framing. The stories are told with some delicately made shadow puppets and key costume pieces. Well accompanied by Kelvin Horner, who has also composed so really fun songs.
This show left me wanting more! From the fun skeleton host to the heart wrenching stories, to the clam chorus, I want to see more from this team. With more polish to production values (and less duct tape!), and possibly another story, this could become a full length production.
OVERALL: Check it out! Three compelling stories with music and clever puppetry.
Upcoming Performances of Whispers From the Deep at First Lutheran Church Basement
- June 11 Wed – 8:30 PM
- June 13 Fri – 8:30 PM
Every Good Story Ends with One by Martin Dockery, Brooklyn, NY
Going at a manic speed, Martin Dockery regales us with a “100 percent true story” tale about his first Adelaide Fringe Festival, trying to fit in with the other performers. It is hot. It is loud. But–he has at least one fan who appreciates his work.
Dockery is an award winning storyteller, and this performance makes it clear why. His story helps us understand that each Fringe has a different vibe. We are not the biggest–but we hope to be considered the nicest–or at least “a shaft of light.”
OVERALL: FULL of laughs! 100% see this show.
Upcoming Performances of Every Good Story Ends With One at Coffee Emporium
- June 6 – 6:45 PM
- June 8 – 8:30 PM
Date Me by Carolyn Guido Clifford and Tessa D’Errico, Cincinnati, OH
I must congratulate the promotional team behind Date Me for having their show seen in so many ways. Social media, t-shirts, buttons–but the thing that really did it was having a conversation in the ladies bathroom at the FLC. “It’s a rom-com!” she said–and then it was clear that it isn’t a fringe-y plea for someone looking for a date, it is a play! And a sweet and fun one at that!
This is a sweet tale of two friends (well done by Anna Kahle and Dylan McKenna) who have been making video content for five years. The show is “It’s Extra with Anna” and she invites Cincinnati celebs to Chipotle for a bowl or a burrito–and asks if if she were guacamole, would they pay extra for her. As the face of the company, she finally gets the opportunity to take it to the next level. What happens to the other member of the team? Are they a team?
The improv-y twist here, is that the “guests” on the video-cast are audience members, and the main character reacts to their responses on the video date. We had 4 amazing “guests,” including Dave F’n Powell. Nice job done by all four guests, though!
OVERALL: Full of laughs. Sweet. Recommended!
Upcoming Performances of Date Me at Coffee Emporium
- June 13- 6:45 PM
- June 12 – 6:45 PM
Traitors by Stix Eris, Cincinnati, OH
There’s been a lot of buzz about this show, and while it was not originally on my radar, I am glad I had the opportunity to see this story written by local Stix Eris. It is a story that has become urgent to tell.
Set in a world where non-binary people must register under the QRA, this is the story of a sweet romance, between a dancer (Stix Eris) and newcomer Archie (Jordan Whittaker) as well as a tragic family situation. With one of the scariest characters to ever be presented (the Grande High Madame played by Elizabeth Durham), this is a memorable, important reminder that we cannot be complacent.
OVERALL: This will haunt you–and hopefully motivate you to support your friends and allies that are seeking to live their authentic life.
For more information and the full cast go to their Instagram: @traitors_theshow
- Traitors is part of the FRINGE ENCORES – June 14 at 8:30 pm
Winning: WINNING by Gordon Neill’s Sweet Action Theatre Company, Toronto, ON
Gordon Neill’s Winning: WINNING is a show that, at first, is silly. But what does it take for a man to dress up in a blue wrestling singlet and a plastic dog cone–in a very intimate space? You will find out by the end of the show.
His nemesis is Tony Robbins, the selp-help guru, who points out Gordon’s flaws. Eventually Gordon breaks his silence and faces his fears.
With a lot of audience involvement (does he target introverts?) be aware when choosing a seat. He has a lot of bits, and some are really funny. We get to the meat of the performance in the last 15 minutes, and it is highly worthwhile.
OVERALL: An introvert silently tries many silly bits with the audience, but finally reveals–and faces–his fears.
Final Performances of Winning: WINNING at Coffee Emporium
- June 13 Fri – 8:30 PM
- June 11 Wed – 6:45 PM
Yoga For Falling Apart by Feminist Commune Theatre Collective, Wooster, OH
As a harried yoga instructor Kerstin Vaughn takes you through a class, she actually shares the very relatable chatterings running through her brain. Graduated as a theatre major, she is now a gig worker, fighting perfectionism, looking for a secure future. She is trying to keep it together, and mostly she does. Love the new names she gives to “cat/cow” – “bitchy cat/fat cousin.”
These are stories most Fringe attendees know well. Vaughn really helps us connect with her and feel them with her–as we join in with body work.
OVERALL: if you choose to participate–as you can experience a highly relatable show and stretch at the same time.
Final Performance of Yoga For Falling Apart at Miami Venue
- Friday, June 13, 2025 at 7 PM
Muttnick by Bruce Ryan Costella, Orlando, FL
This is a really good performance. It is the story of the first dog in space, told by the brave and fearless canine himself. Thankfully, creator and performer Bruce doesn’t take the story all the way to the end, but we know what happens to this dog. We, the audience, are the stars he sees out the tiny window.
ALong the journey however, we hear about his puppyhood, and his love for his mother–who he now connects with the moon. We hear about the old babushka who adopts him, and reads Jules Verne to him–creating a love of space.
Kudos to the very authentic space suit. Great attention to detail in visuals and research. Great nuances of both the writing of the story and his performance of it. One of my top 5 shows this Fringe.
OVERALL: 100% recommend–a story I never knew we needed to hear, so well presented.
Final Performance of Muttnik at First Lutheran Church Basement
- Friday, June 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Velma and Clarice by Patricia Mullins, Cincinnati, OH
A funny story of two sisters who embark on a road trip to get to LA to compete for the million dollar prize in The Amazing Race. One is leaving teaching, went through all the gig work and is now an Uber Driver. The othermoved on from a relationshift, but is left with a super case of chlamidia.
They encounter a number of difficulties as the stakes continue to rise: from a flat tire, running into a cornfield, stopping by a Renaissance Festival, a visit to a police station, and more.
OVERALL: This is a well written little show, well performed by a strong comedic duo.
Velma & Clarice (AKA the AMAZING Amazing Race Roadtrip) at Coffee Emporium
- June 11 Wed – 8:30 PM
- June 12 Thu – 8:30 PM
A Cabaret of Legends by Dynamite Lunchbox Entertainment, Orlando, FL
This is a gorgeous show. Tymisha Harris is a pro as she works the audience in a Vegas style presentation. Her costumess are rich–with a number of quick changes, transforming her from Ella Fitzgerald to Nina Simone to Tina Turner to Beyonce, and more. Between performance she shares the struggles of these women, both personal and professional. “Proud Mary,” “Crazy in Love Am I,” “Mississippi Goddam” and “Strange Fruit” are standouts.
She shares that she has a show about Josephine Baker and Princess Grace, called “Joseie and Grace.” I hope she returns! She is amazing.
OVERALL: 100% recommend this show, and hope to see her at the next Cincinnati Fringe!
1 Gay Wedding and Absolutely No Funerals by Ben & Justin Present, Cincinnati/Columbus, OH
Does 1 Gay Wedding…live up to the hype? Absolutely it does!
This show uses all of the comedic devices: Farce, slapstick, hyperbole, cross purposes, etc. It is the morning of their wedding, and Ryan and Charles want everything to be perfect. And it is until they discover the maid of honor dead in their hotel bathroom. Let the comedic hijinks begin!
Ben Miller-Jones and Justin King have incredibly chemistry, and are joined by 3–make that 4–other characters, played by Kieran Cronin, Tashauna Ajoi Jenkins, Micha O’Connor-Perez, and of course Jamie.
In addition to professional sit-com style writing, they place great attention to costumes and props. Most of the physical comedy is spot on and well timed, but the ditching the body scene may have gone astray.
OVERALL: Highly recommended for lighthearted laughter.
Like Moths to a Flame: New Dances by Megan Flynn & Teresa VanDenend Sorge, Cincinnati, OH
You know you are in for an interesting treat when it begins with an NPR style podcast, with a beautiful FM radio voice. The podcast frames and introduces the dance pieces, and asks: what do you do when you find 85 year old love letters, your mother’s diary and a box of matches? Do you blow out the match or light 1000?
Megan Flynn & Teresa VanDenend Sorge, return to the Fringe for a third year, joined by Katherine Moore, Jennifer Sydor and one other dancer, and esteemed dance professor Mary Linda Graham, formerly of DCDC, as the podcast host.
The first dance–for me–embodied active DNA strands, presented in modern dance as the podcaster shares that our past and future are tied into ourselves on a cellular level, DNA is passed from mother to daughter. The second changes styles and and we see a young woman in the 1930’s or ’40s who ages. There is a very memorable piece with a mask and a raincoat, used as wings to the song “I’ll Fly Away.” the final song references a pilot light and we see flames fluttering and growing.
OVERALL: Great attention to the clothing and music, allowing the body to tell a compelling story.
Liz’s Takes on the Cincinnati Fringe
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