By Liz Eichler
The rain stopped, the clouds parted and the universe said “Let Cincinnati Fringe Begin!” What a great group of faces, sweet conversations, and energy to support creativity and self-expression in our area.
Arsenic and Old Spice by Liz Coley, Silver Linings Productions, Cincinnati, OH
This dark comedy, thriller, and satire for all ages features John Simpson as Neville and Zak Kelley as Barry. The two own a bakery, which has developed a new specialty: a “creme fatale” if you wish, a special cake, packed with cyanide to help wish a loved one goodbye. How did they dream up this sweet confection? Their mother/mother-in-law always said “Nothing good ever happens after 90,” and they felt she was simply asking for “relief.” Simpson and Kelley present a sweet and caring couple whose business appears to be growing.
Things really light up when their daughter June (the ray of sunshine we all know as Eileen Earnest) pops in. She is an influencer, constantly marketing one new product or another, and encourages her fathers’ success, unbeknownst to them.
David Little plays a doddering old man and a local law enforcement officer. Kiley DeGreen rounds out the cast as assorted townspeople and a health inspector. Directed by Gina Kleesattel and written by Liz Covey, the show moves at a solid pace, which will likely tighten up more during the run. There are some clever lines–and word plays about their “special cakes.” The production is filled with great attention to detail, such as a bell on the door of the shop, bakery boxes and stickers, and matching aprons. Earnest’s costumes are especially inventive. There is nothing half-baked about this show.
OVERALL: This is a cute play, with a clever premise, and it plays well on the Gabriel’s Corner stage.
Upcoming Performances of Arsenic and Old Spice at at Gabriel’s Corner
- June 1 at 4:15 pm
- June 7 at 8:45 pm
- June 8 at 4:15 pm
- June 13 at 7 pm
Tea Time by Erika MacDonald, Other Erika Productions, Covington, KY
“It’s about tea! It’s about time! F**k off, I’m steeping.”
Erika is charming. She is intentional. This quiet little gem hits. There is a lot of audience involvement (and rewards–especially for the front row).
Erika is an exemplary storyteller who knows how to hold her audience in the palm of her hand from the moment she steps onstage (or even before, in this case). She enters with all she needs to actually brew multiple pots of tea on stage. She regales how and why she loves it, and why it is worth our time.
Erika crafts this evening in about 3 minute bits, sewn together with simple effective repetitive lyrics of this love song to tea. And to time. There is room to reflect here, and it is quite–and quietly–an existential moment of the Fringe.
OVERALL: Ideal for everyone taking time to steep, to brew, to become.
Upcoming Performances of Tea Time at at Gabriel’s Corner
- June 1 at 7 pm
- June 5 at 7 pm
- June 6 at 8:45 pm
- June 11 at 7 pm
Bubblegum by Solasta Theatre Lab from Cincinnati, OH
A NOT-for-children children’s show whimsically set in a dumpster fire.
Daniela Nenova of Solasta Theatre brings their exemplary energy and skill in movement and puppetry to this story. Devised by Nenova and E. Carr, the audience becomes a television audience. At first it is a silly children’s style show, but as we continue…the darkness of the situation is clear. They are confined to a studio in a post-apocalyptic world.
There is some audience involvement. And the audience is eager to love the multiple short bits. Dressed in a wrinkled, aged clown outfit and bubblegum pink hair, they use bubblegum to fix a tire, to flirt, and more. They animate a gas mask and other puppets with skill. So much energy. Fun, but not for kids. E. Carr directs.
OVERALL: It is always worth it to see Nenova’s skills, but it could use some tightening.
Upcoming Performances of Bubblegum at First Lutheran Church Basement
- June 1 at 6:45 PM
- June 5 at 6:45 PM
- June 11 at 6:45 PM
- June 12 at 6:45 PM
The Squid and The Octopus by Jim Julien, Drexel Hill, PA
Cephalopod shadow puppet show with knives!
Puppeteer Jim Julien shares a tall tale of how a squid and an octopus escape a near death experience. He humanizes these cephalopods, and makes his audience really care about them. (Literally, he asks members of the front row to hold stuffed versions of his characters.) Utilizing delicate shadow puppets (and more) to spin this yarn, he keeps his audience focused.
If the squid and the octopus are the protagonists, who are the antagonists? He also ties in an allegory of corporate greed, inflated egos, and our responsibility to be kind to all creatures on our planet.
OVERALL: This tale kept me engrossed! Both the puppets and the puppeteer are earnest. But, it could be tighter if he had a second set of hands to help him with the transitions.
Upcoming Performances of The Squid and the Octopus at First Lutheran Church Basement
- June 1 at 8:30 PM
- June 4 at 8:30 PM
- June 6 at 6:45 PM
- June 8 at 4:00 PM
Camp Loretto by Jack Fogle & the River Rat Puppet Collective from Cincinnati, OH
“Hi Camper! Ready for an unforgettable day at Camp Loretto?” is how this charming piece begins. The Camp Counselor addresses the audience as his 9-year-old campers and we all fall into to the call and response as if it were yesterday when we were camping. He ensures his campers listen attentively as he shares tips of wilderness friends and how to survive in the woods. You will learn what a turtle scute is!
Supported by two stalwart assistants (I will update this with their names!), this is a fast-paced and fun show. There’s lots of audience participation (sit in the front row if you really want to get involved.) Fogle uses hand puppets (including an ornery overweight opossum), shadow puppets (a lot of moths) and more, even more imaginative activities–and one real reptile–to keep his audience thoroughly engaged and educated.
OVERALL: This is one of my top experiences at Cincy Fringe ’25 so far. It was not even on my radar! But it is a winning show, both for the deadpan and earnest delivery and to be part of the really enthusiastic crowd.
Upcoming Performances of Camp Loretto at First Lutheran Church Basement
- June 3 at 6:45 PM
- June 7 at 8:30 PM
- June 10 at 6:45 PM
- June 12 at 8:30 PM
Cincinnati Fringe: Liz Says Get Your Tickets Now!
There’s still time to get a FULL ACCESS pass or FLEX PASS and choose your adventure at the Cincinnti Fringe Festival. Click HERE for ticketing and more information.
