By Shawn Maus
Forging Legends and Plan V– Mischief, Music, and Modern Tall Tales
If you’re looking to spark a child’s imagination—or your own—Forging Legends: The Tall Tales Chronicles is the Fringe ticket to grab. Brought to life by sKribble sKratch Productions of Cincinnati and NYC, this joyful, musical romp is a perfect blend of Saturday morning cartoon nostalgia and meaningful storytelling rooted in African-American folklore.
The Plot
We follow two mischievous besties, played with giddy energy by April Pursley and Malik Smith, who are stuck inside when all they want is recess. But what starts as a punishment becomes a portal to adventure as their “IMAGINATION” (yes, in all caps) brings storybooks to life. Along the way, they invent heroes—the climate-crusading Aspen Twins—who tackle big challenges like environmental destruction, all while inviting kids (and yes, a few grown-ups too) to help along the way.
Pursley is a revelation. A children’s nurse by day and vocal powerhouse by stage, her comic timing and vocal range make each character pop—especially the strong and sassy Flatboat Annie. Malik Smith nails the class clown energy while giving John Henry real heart and heft. Kendra Jeffries is the glue, flipping effortlessly from stern schoolmarm to animated villainess, channeling cartoon classics from Hanna-Barbera to Pixar.
The Creative Team
Writer DeAndre Smith and director Lauren Carr clearly understand how to speak to a young audience without talking down to them. The songs feel ripped from the best of Schoolhouse Rock, and the show’s pacing keeps even the squirmiest audience members engaged.
It’s more than just fun—it’s smart, inclusive, and rooted in culture and creativity. I especially loved discovering new folklore heroes like Flatboat Annie and the Aspen Twins, who deserve a series of their own.
Shawn Says: Get Tickets to Forging Legends
Catch Forging Legends June 1 and 7 at 2:15 p.m. at the Know Theatre. Kids under 12 are free with an adult ticket, making this a perfect intro to live theater—and the magic of the Cincinnati Fringe.
More info at cincyfringe.com.
Review: Plan V: The Rise of Reverence
Presented by Naked Dance Creative (Portland, OR)
Let’s get one thing straight—fascism doesn’t stand a chance when Reverence takes the stage.
Set in the not-so-distant future of 2035, Plan V launches us into a satirical swirl of trauma, tech, and unapologetic empowerment. Framed like an underground resistance meeting streamed via “Zype” (Zoom’s slightly unhinged spiritual cousin), the show invites us to witness a movement built on healing, storytelling, and, yes, female pleasure as the ultimate rebellion.
The Creative Mind
Eleanor O’Brien is an absolute force. She brings more than a dozen characters to life—so convincingly, I didn’t even clock that she was playing all the “Zype” participants at first. Her English and Scottish personas are especially sharp. That Scottish brogue? Thick enough to be authentic. I’ve got a friend from the Highlands and, yep—same level of “wait, what did she say?” realism.
There’s a brief lull during the “Ovulmonial,” but honestly, if Richard Simmons and Dr. Ruth had a love child, this is the show she’d host. It’s theatrical, wacky, and oddly reverent. And it’s way more insightful, hilarious, and layered than The Vagina Monologues. That’s not shade—that’s evolution.
There’s movement. There’s myth. There’s a sacred “V” hand signal. And there’s something bold beating underneath it all: a call to connect, laugh, and maybe even liberate a part of yourself that’s been in hiding.
Shawn Says: Get Tickets to Plan V
This show is a limited run and ends on June 1. Get your ticket HERE
In a world gone sideways, Plan V is a joyful, full-throttle course correction.
