Updated 6/14/19 11:15am
Picks of the Fringe
As a “critic” I get to nominate productions as my choice for the Critic’s Pick of the Fringe. Below, in alphabetical order, are the shows IMHO currently in the running for nomination.
Paul Strickland. Photo by Paul Kerford Wilson.
90 LIES AN HOUR
Paul Strickland returns with the fourth part of his Trailer Park Trilogy (and no, you don’t need to have seen the previous shows to enjoy this one.) 90 LIES AN HOUR features three new tales written and performed by this talented storyteller which are full of wit, wonderful word play and a bit of down home wisdom. The show is closed out with a song that expertly brings the show full circle.
Hannah Gregory as The Angel, Tess Talbot as Annie & Wes Carmen as Paul. Photo by Paul Kerford Wilson.
DESCENT: A Murder Ballad
A simple story told incredibly well, punctuated by the haunting and soulful songs performed by Hannah Gregory, who is also responsible for the book and music. Caitlin McWethy’s nuanced direction elicits some wonderful performances from her small, talented cast lead by the wonderful Tess Talbot. The show flowed extremely well, and the small addition and removal of a black jacket made it easy to follow the story as it jumped between past and present.
Jen Joplin. Photo by Dan Winters.
THE MILF ALSO RISES
Local actress and “middle-aged mother” Jen Joplin unsurprisingly impresses in her one-person show, THE MILF ALSO RISES. Joplin builds an instant rapport with the audience, giving the show a “hanging with an old friend” vibe that is punctuated with a wry smile, a smart tongue, a bit of self-deprecating humor, and a few slugs of bourbon. The script is timely, smart and insightful without being a lecture.
Rebecca Comtois as Joan, Kristen Vaughan as Iris & Playwright Mac Rogers as Griffin. Photo by Jeff Burkle.
THIS HOUSE WILL NEVER LET US GO
Fringe favorite Gideon Productions returns this year with an unique take on a horror genre staple. Playwright Mac Rogers provides a smartly-written, character-driven script that plays to the strengths of the excellent cast. Together they easily pull the audience into the “House” as the tale builds to a shocking and satisfying conclusion.
Jordan Trovillion as Nolan Blackwell & playwright Trey Tatum as Casper. Photo by Paul Kerford Wilson.
ZOINKS!
Part homage and part satire, ZOINKS is a modern take on the teenage mystery solver (and their trusted canine companion). The staging is incredibly creative and engaging thanks to the directing skills of Bridget Leak. So engaging in fact, that several audience members are asked to lend their voices to the story. Jordan Trovillion is excellent as Nolan Blackwell, the teenage sleuth who would rather confront monsters and mysteries than the realities of her home. Tatum also takes on the role of Casper, Nolan’s four-legged partner in crime-solving, a friend so true that you will make you miss your own pup. A truly remember-able Fringe experience.
My Fringe Show Rankings
While all shows cannot be a “pick,” there are plenty of strong and enjoyable productions to choose from for your fringe adventure. Below I am ranking the other shows I’ve attended to date, based on a number of criteria from the voices in my head. 🙂 Please understand that differences between shows in the rankings can be infinitesimal. Update 6/5. I’ve split out the solo performances into their own list.
Solo Performances
BOB: A Life in Five Acts
LIFE STORY: Six New Plays About Birth, Death and the Stuff in Between
WAITRESS
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 