Know Announces Encore Double Bill of Previous Pick of the Fringe Winners

EDGAR ALLAN from The Coldharts & PETUNIA AND CHICKEN from Animal Engine

Know Theatre is thrilled to welcome back to town two of the most popular visiting theatre companies in Cincy Fringe history, The Coldharts and Animal Engine, for Encore performances of two recent productions featured at the 2015 and 2013 Festivals.

EDGAR ALLAN, from The Coldharts, was the 2015 Full Frontal Pick of the Cincinnati Fringe and also received the Best of the Fringe award at the 2014 Minneapolis Fringe Festival. It was praised by local critics as “wildly creative” and “a unique experience, not to be missed” (Ed Cohen, Cincinnati CityBeat – 2015 Critic’s Pick).

In the show, Eleven year old Edgar Allan has one goal: to be the most remarkable boy at boarding school. He has only one obstacle: Edgar Allan. A dark musical comedy for brave children of all ages that explores the horrors and isolation of childhood, as viewed through the life and work of Edgar Allan Poe.

The Coldharts are Katie Hartman and Nick Ryan, two theatre artists based in Brooklyn, New York. They create American Gothic-inspired, devised music-theatre. Their work has been seen in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Hill City, Bemidji, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver, Bellingham, Seattle, New York City & Wichita County, Kansas.

PETUNIA & CHICKEN, from Animal Engine, was the 2013 Artists’ Pick of the Cincinnati Fringe and also received the 2014 Frigid New York Festival Favorite Award. It was applauded by local critics as “exquisite” and “damn fine theatre” (Joe Gorman, Cincinnati CityBeat – 2013 Critic’s Pick).

In the show, Two daring performers create an epic story of love and loss as big as the prairie itself, inspired by the writings of Midwestern author Willa Cather. Petunia, an indomitable immigrant girl determined to tame the wild land around her, meets Chicken, a right smart boy with dreams of great adventures. As the joys of their youth give way to the harsh realities of adulthood, they struggle to stay together. Sprawling fields of wheat, bustling train stations, rain-soaked kisses, wind-blown hair, and the rest of the world are brought to life with by just two actors, a hat, a scarf, and song.

Founded in 2011 as a physical devised theatre ensemble, Animal Engine Theatre Company is dedicated to creating strange worlds with a relatable touch; bold works of performance that are clever, quirky, sharp, and new. The company is led by 2 artistic directors; husband and wife team Karim Muasher and Carrie Brown. New works are performed both in the company’s hometown of New York City and across the country at theatres, festivals, and schools.

Fringe Producer Chris Wesselman couldn’t be happier to have these groups and their shows returning. “Fringe gives us this remarkable opportunity to forge artistic relationships from outside the region that otherwise might not have happened. There’s so much amazing theatre happening all across the world, and we love these opportunities to incorporate their unique voices into our theatre community.”

“We love performing for Cincinnati audiences,” say The Coldharts, “and are always looking for an excuse to spend a weekend in Over-the-Rhine!” Animal Engine concurs, adding, “The audiences are friendly, adventurous, and intelligent – just what you want and need as an artist.  The staff at the Know are unbelievably hardworking and put such love into every aspect of their festival.  Artists talk, and the word really has gotten out that the Cincy Fringe is one of the best fringe festivals in the country.  We’ve been coming here for over 5 years, and look forward to it all year round.”

Both EDGAR ALLAN and PETUNIA & CHICKEN will run for three nights, March 13-15, with alternating performances at 7:30pm and 8:45pm.

Join us for this amazing Fringe Double Bill that will definitely make you wish the 2016 Festival was already here.

Casts

EDGAR ALLAN:

• Katie Hartman
• Nick Ryan

PETUNIA & CHICKEN:

• Carrie Brown
• Karim Muasher

Calendar Listing

Production: EDGAR ALLAN from The Coldharts and PETUNIA & CHICKEN from Animal Engine

When: March 13, 14, and 15th beginning at 7:30pm

• 3/13: EDGAR ALLAN @ 7:30pm, PETUNIA & CHICKEN @ 8:45pm
• 3/14: PETUNIA & CHICKEN @ 7:30pm, EDGAR ALLAN @ 8:45pm
• 3/15: EDGAR ALLAN @ 7:30pm, PETUNIA & CHICKEN @ 8:45pm

Where: Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Tickets:

• $15 in advance or at the door for individual tickets
• $25 in advance or at the door for two-show pass

Know Theatre is Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground.

The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience.

Since 1997, Know Theatre has sought to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible.

Know Theatre’s work is made possible by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Know is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.