By Shawn Maus
Shawn Says: “Camp Loretto” is a Puppet-Fueled Joyride You Don’t Want to Miss
If summer camp, ghost stories, and late-night puppet therapy had a baby, it would be Camp Loretto.
Presented by Jack Fogle and the River Rat Puppet Collective, this Cincinnati Fringe show is a laugh-out-loud, all-ages adventure that cleverly blends hand puppets, rod puppets, and full-body characters into a rich, immersive storytelling experience. I genuinely felt like I was sitting around a campfire with a bunch of slightly deranged, deeply lovable woodland creatures—and I loved every second of it.
From the moment you enter the space, you’re transported into a world where bug spray becomes a punchline, marshmallows are more than snacks, and ghost stories don’t just haunt—they unravel the very nature of reality (seriously, no spoilers, but you’ll see). And let’s not forget the newly discovered turtle who might be going through an identity crisis by the time the run ends. It’s all handled with such playful self-awareness that you can’t help but grin the whole way through. Shout out to Milo Whitson and Alaysha Weldishefer who join Fogle in this production.
Camp Loretto is hilarious and wildly creative. Whether you’re six or sixty, this show taps into something universal: the magic of make-believe and the joy of storytelling done right.
🎟️ Catch it before the fire burns out: https://cincyfringe.com/camp-loretto
Shawn Says: “Muttnik” Is Out of This World (and Into Your Heart)
Blast off to 1957 in the best basement space mission you’ll ever take.
Muttnik, a one-“dog” show performed in the cozy basement of First Lutheran Church, is a stellar blend of history and humor. With clever effects, a well-crafted soundscape, and some serious storytelling chops, we’re taken on an imaginative journey through space—from the eyes of the first living creature the Soviets launched into orbit.
Think Star Trek meets The Dog Whisperer, with a side of Discovery Channel charm. The performer (Bruce Ryan Costella) draws you in with warmth and wit, making you forget you’re watching a solo act. (I’m pretty sure John Glenn would’ve gladly traded helmets for this kind of four-legged fame.)
By the end, I was misty-eyed—and then I went home and hugged my own dog a little tighter. This show is a love letter to loyalty, exploration, and those unsung heroes who barked at the moon before we ever walked on it.
🐾 So, be a good human—pet this show with your presence, toss it some laughs, and throw it an emotional biscuit or two. It’s earned them.
🚀 Grab your ticket here: https://cincyfringe.com/muttnik
Shawn Says: “The Squid and the Octopus” Swims in Storytelling Gold
Yes, I like puppet shows! If Pixar ever opened a puppet division, The Squid and the Octopus would be its flagship tale.
Jim Julien brings this underwater adventure to life with big-hearted storytelling, larger-than-life puppets, and shadow play that dance across the stage like bioluminescent jellyfish. Yes, he’s juggling a lot—literally—and could maybe use an extra set of hands (or eight), but it all adds to the scrappy, charming energy that makes this show shine.
There’s multimedia, clever humor (shoutout to the not-at-all-Credit-Express Cred-Ex lawyers), and a gentle tide of emotion that sneaks up on you. It’s science-y without being stuffy, and fun without losing depth. Think Finding Nemo meets The Little Prince, with just enough Fringe weirdness to keep it spicy.
This show deserves a children’s book, a feature film, and probably a plush toy line. For now, though, do yourself a favor—dive in while you can. And use your tentacles for a giant (squid) round of applause.
🐙 Catch it before it swims away: https://cincyfringe.com/the-squid-and-the-octopus
Shawn Says: “History Hates Lovers” Finds Tenderness Across Time—Despite the Echoes
Let’s be honest—the acoustics in the First Lutheran Church sanctuary doesn’t do History Hates Lovers any favors. But what it lacks in sonic clarity, it more than makes up for in emotional resonance.
Director Ash Aoibheil crafts a time-traveling love story that gracefully flips between past and present, drawing poignant parallels without ever feeling preachy. Actors Hannah Toranto (Grace) and Rachel Baker (Mel) deliver grounded, dynamic performances—living and breathing their characters with vulnerability, intensity, and nuance that cut through even the most challenging echoes.
The romance is tender without veering into the saccharine. It’s the kind of love story built on real growth, quiet reflection and chemistry. The historical-political “echoes” serve more as a frame than a soapbox, letting the humanity of the characters speak for itself.
It’s a meaningful way to open Pride Month. Just sit in the first pew and lean in to catch every word.
🌈 See it while you can: https://cincyfringe.com/history-hates-lovers
Shawn Says: Bubblegum–Big Brother Meets Bozo
Welcome to the post-apocalyptic playpen of Bubblegum—a dark, disjointed descent into a children’s TV show gone gloriously wrong. Imagine if Sesame Street had been filmed in Chernobyl and directed by George Orwell. That’s the wild, eccentric terrain this show dares to explore.
This is what Fringe was made for
Weird. Bold. Risky. And absolutely not for kids. The opening skit is a racy, raucous bit of sex education.
Bubblegum is a “children’s” program for the broken-hearted and brainwashed. Anchored by writer-performer Daniela Nenova as Bubblegum, the show is a chaotic collage of sketches, songs, and satire. Nenova is a joy to watch, brilliantly balancing buoyancy, sarcasm, and something haunting just beneath the surface. Their commitment is the emotional glue holding the bubble together.
The props and visual gags—ingenious. The design screams Fringe: inventive, gritty, and packed with charm. From absurd puppets to sinister red lights, the show has a DIY dystopia vibe that works well with its themes.
That said, Bubblegum struggles with coherence. Director E. Carr’s vision seems split between moments of genius and murky transitions. The red censor light—eventually revealed as the network’s shutdown trigger—is a brilliant concept but is poorly telegraphed. The ending, abrupt and unsettling, leaves the audience frozen, unsure if it is over. As it stands, the offering feels more like a series of inspired but loosely tied sketches than a cohesive narrative.
Still, I’d recommend Bubblegum for anyone who loves their theater messy, mischievous, and meaningfully mad. Like a piece of gum—bright, sticky, and fun—but it looses flavor before the finish
Buy Tickets at cincyfringe.com/bubblegum
Shawn Says: Post Wrap Up
There’s plenty of time to visit Cincinnati Fringe and discover new voices and witness stories that resonate with you. Featuring humans, puppets, or dogs. Shows run through June 14.
Get more information about the Festival, timing and ticketing HERE. Fringe splits ticket sales 50/50 with artists. Go support this wild ride of weird.
Tickets:
General Admission – $20
“Love Your Artists” – $24
