Reviews Archive

Closed 2020-2021 Season Productions

Closed 2019-2020 Season Productions

  • 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • THE 39 STEPS presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.25/5
    A solid, funny and versatile four-person ensemble brings this British thriller to madcap life on stage. Shout out to the hard working stage crew who help keep the action flowing. A laugh out loud, comic misadventure.
  • 42ND STREET presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
  • THE ABSENTEE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 5.0/5
    A strong, quirky, and engaging play with several “wow, I did not see that coming” moments, a great set design that cleverly meets the demands of the script, and a solid four person ensemble. A much needed perspective that is surprisingly hopeful.
  • THE AFRICAN COMPANY PRESENTS RICHARD III presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4.25/5
    A unique production, based on a true story and accented with percussion and puppetry, the cast is smartly led by Isaiah-Mikel Reaves as William Henry Brown, a free black American who founded the African Grove Theatre Company in the early 1800s.
  • ALABASTER presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • ALIAS GRACE presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
    A completely engaging and beautifully staged production of Margaret Atwood’s ALIAS GRACE. Caroline Hewitt (Grace Marks) and Grant Goodman (Simon Jordan) lead a strong ensemble as the mystery, of a shocking double murder 15 years prior, unfolds before our eyes.
  • ALL THE WAY presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 5/5
  • AMERICUS presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT presented by The Carnegie – 4.5/5
  • AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
    An entertaining production powered by a stellar ensemble. Words and fists fly as this train wreck of a family unite due to a family emergency. 
  • BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.25/5
  • BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • THE CAKE presented by Human Race Theatre Company – 4.25/5
  • A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS presented by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • CHICAGO presented by Xavier University Theatre – 4.25/5
  • A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
    I was not able to properly review Opening Night due to a technical difficulties. Get the lowdown in this CityBeat article.
  • CLYBOURNE PARK presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
    Congratulations to director Richard Hess and his students on a wonderful production of CLYBOURNE PARK. Both acts (set 50 years apart) featured engaging ensembles and excellent character work. Matt Fox did well in aging up into Russ Stoller and Duncan Weinland is perfectly slap-able as Karl. Joanne West (costume designer) and Jerome Horng (wig and make-up designer) gave definable and easily recognizable looks for both time periods. The transition/scene change that started Act II was incredibly effective and both sides of the set were extremely well done. Thank you all on an enjoyable afternoon.
  • COME FROM AWAY presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 5.0/5
    COME FROM AWAY is an amazing piece of theatre. For 1 hour and 40 minutes, 12 incredibly talented and versatile performers, in more than 40 roles, recount five days where tragedy was met with empathy, compassion and generosity. At the show’s end, the audience’s immediate standing ovation was heartfelt and well-deserved.
  • THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME presented by Xavier University Theatre – 4.75/5
    The intimate setting, Tetris-inspired set and intricate lighting design served the production well. The entire ensemble shows great focus and character work throughout. Strong performances by the four leads.
  • DESTINY OF DESIRE presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.25/5
  • FORTUNE presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • Disney’s FREAKY FRIDAY presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4.75/5
  • THE FROG PRINCESS presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • FUN HOME presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 5.0/5
    A wonderful production featuring a stellar ensemble. Charlie Clark and Sara Mackie turn in some of their best work to date. I cried through the last five numbers.
  • GIRL IN THE RED CORNER presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • GLORIA: A LIFE presented by Human Race Theatre Company – 4.25/5
  • HAND TO GOD presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre – 4.5/5
  • HEATHERS presented by Xavier University – 4.5/5
  • HELLO, DOLLY! presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • H.M.S. PINAFORE presented by NKU SOTA – 4.25/5
  • IN THE NIGHT TIME (BEFORE THE SUN RISES) presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • JERSEY BOYS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT presented by The Carnegie – 4.25/5
  • LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
    An entertaining production that is visually impressive (costumes, wigs and set design) with strong performances across the cast. Smartly directed and paced by Susan Felder.
  • LES MISERABLES presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
  • THE LION KING presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 5/5
  • MEAN GIRLS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • MISS HOLMES presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • THE NUTCRACKER presented by Cincinnati Ballet – 4.5/5
  • ONCE ON THIS ISLAND presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
    A creative and jubilant production. As usual, Playhouse’s annual multigenerational production holds plenty of “theater magic” surprises for the audience. Christina Acosta Robinson’s rendition of “The Human Heart” will give you goose bumps.
  • PIPELINE presented by Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati – 5.0/5
  • PRIDE AND PREJUDICE presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • PROOF presented by The Carnegie – 4.5/5
  • PUFFS, OR SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND MAGIC presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati -5.0/5
  • THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
  • THE SECRET GARDEN presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 5.0/5
  • SEX AND EDUCATION presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • SHOOTER! presented by Xavier University Theatre = 4.25/5
  • THREE SISTERS presented by NKU SOTA Theatre + Dance – 4.5/5
  • TITUS ANDRONICUS presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • WHO IS AMOS OTIS? presented by Squeaky Toy Advertising – 4.5/5
    The show features a strong ensemble of local favorites led by Rico Reid, Josh Katawick and Michael G Bath. The strong, politically-charged script puts you in the jury box of an assassin’s trial.
  • THE WIZARD OF OZ presented by Cincinnati Ballet – 5.0/5

Closed 2018-2019 Season Productions

  • 1984 presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.5/5
  • ALICE IN WONDERLAND presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • ALWAYS PLENTY OF LIGHT AT THE STARLIGHT ALL NIGHT DINER presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • BASKERVILLE: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.5/5
  • THE BOOK OF MORMON presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 5/5.0
    This current tour of THE BOOK OF MORMON presented by Broadway in Cincinnati boasts an impressively strong cast led by the pristine vocals of Kevin Clay as Elder Price and a great comic turn by Conner Peirson as Elder Cunningham. Other standouts include Kayla Pecchioni as Nabulungi & Andy Huntington Jones as Elder McKinley. Always fun to see Cincinnati’s own Ron Bohmer shine in multiple roles. The bold and bawdy humor of this musical satire may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but last night’s audience enjoyed the performance immensely.
  • BIG FISH presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4.5/5
  • CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • CINCINNATI FRINGE FESTIVAL presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati
  • CINCINNATI KING presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
  • COMPANY presented by Xavier University Theatre – 4.5/5
  • THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.5/5
  • DEAR EVAN HANSEN presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 5/5
  • DREAMGIRLS presented by The Carnegie – 5.0/5
  • EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
  • THE EXONERATED presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.5/5
  • A FEW GOOD MEN presented by Covedale Center for the Performing Arts – 4.5/5
  • FIDDLER ON THE ROOF presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • A FLEA IN HER EAR presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.25/5
  • FLY BY NIGHT presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • GODSPELL presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.5/5
  • THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.25/5
  • GUYS AND DOLLS presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
  • HAMILTON presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 5.0/5
    The production is stunning: in content, in talent and in presentation. I’m still mentally sifting through and processing what I saw and heard last night. Aside from catching a few numbers on Siriusxm’s On Broadway, I went in cold. The staging and choreography breaks convention and is engrossing for the same reason. Truly a unique show that will go down in American musical theater history.
  • THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
  • THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME presented by The Carnegie – 4.5/5
  • IN LOVE AND WARCRAFT presented by The Carnegie – 4.25/5
  • IN THE HEIGHTS presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 5.0/5
  • JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre – 4.25/5
  • THE LAST WIDE OPEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 5.0/5
    I’ll tell you what I told Artistic Director Blake Robison last night. “What a great little show!” The two talented and charismatic leads are easily likable and have you quickly rooting for Roberto (Marcus Kyd) and Lina (Kimberly Gilbert) to come together in this “love song in three movements.” The way the 30-minute play was expanded into a full length show is clever and unique, fourth wall be damned. The script is smart and the laughs are numerous. With great support on the technical side, it all leads to a very satisfying conclusion for the emotionally-invested audience. Forget about the crazy world outside indeed.
  • THE MAN-BEAST presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • MARISOL presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4.0/5
  • MARJORIE PRIME presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.25/5
  • MARY’S MONSTER presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati  – 4.25/5
  • MERCURY presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.25/5
  • MISERY presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 5/5
  • MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • MR. BURNS, A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY presented by Xavier University Theatre – 4.75/5
  • THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre – 4.25/5
  • NEXT TO NORMAL presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theater – 4.0/5
  • NEXT TO NORMAL presented by Xavier University Theatre = 4.75/5
  • ON YOUR FEET! presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • ONCE ON THIS ISLAND presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre – 4.5/5
  • OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.5/5
  • THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • RED BIKE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • RENT presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • RIPCORD presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • THE ROOMMATE presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.0/5
  • SANTA CLAUS the Musical presented by The Chlidren’s Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • A SMALL FIRE presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.25/5
  • ST. NICHOLAS presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • SUPERMAN presented by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • SUSAN SWAYNE AND THE BEWILDERED BRIDE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • SWING! presented by The Carnegie – 4.25/5
  • THE THANKSGIVING PLAY presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.25/5
  • TWELFTH NIGHT presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.25/5
  • URINETOWN presented by Xavier University – 4.5/5
  • WHISPER HOUSE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 5/5.0
    WHISPER HOUSE is Know Theatre of Cincinnati at its finest. Miss this and you will miss one of the best shows of the season (and yes I know the season just started.)
  • THE WOLVES presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • YANKEE TAVERN presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.25/5
  • YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5

2018 Cincinnati Fringe Festival

Closed 2017-2018 Season Productions

  • ADA AND THE ENGINE presented by Know Theatre Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.25/5
  • Disney’s ALADDIN presented by Broadway in Cincinnati 5.0/5
  • ANGELS IN AMERICA PART ONE: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4.5/5
  • ANNIE presented by Covedale Center for the Performing Arts – 4.75/5
  • THE ARSONISTS presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • BE HERE NOW presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.25/5
  • BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON presented by Xavier University Theatre – 4.25/5
  • BURIED CHILD presented by Xavier University Theatre – 4.5/5
  • CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company -5/5
  • CHAMPAGNE GODS presented by The Clifton Players – 4.5/5
  • A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
  • A CHRISTMAS STORY presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.0/5
  • THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • DANCING AT LUGHNASA presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4/5
  • THE DANCING PRINCESSES presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati 4.5/5
  • Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST presented by Northern Kentucky University – 4.25/5
  • DRACULA presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • THE DROWNING GIRLS presented by Clifton Players – 5/5
  • THE DROWSY CHAPERONE presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theater – 5.0/5.0
  • THE EARTH IS FLAT presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 3.75/5
  • AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • FINDING NEVERLAND presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • GUEST ARTIST presented by Creative Asylum – 4.75/5
  • GUYS AND DOLLS presented by The Covedale Center – 4.25/5
  • HALLOWEEN HORRORS presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati -4.5/5
  • HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • THE HUMANS presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
  • KILL MOVE PARADISE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • THE KING AND I presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • LEGENDALE presented by Human Race Theatre Company – 4.75/5
  • A LIFE IN THE THEATRE presented by New Edgecliff Theatre – 4.0/5
  • LOVE AND INFORMATION presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.0/5
  • MARIAN: OR THE TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.25/5.0
  • MARIE AND ROSETTA presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.5/5
  • A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.75/5
  • MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
  • MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD presented by The Carnegie – 4.25/5
  • MR. JOY presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
  • Neil Gaiman’s NEVERWHERE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • NOISES OFF presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 5.0/5
  • OTHELLO presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 4.5/5
  • THE PILLOWMAN presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.75/5
  • POOR BEHAVIOR presented by Falcon Theatre – 4.25/5
  • RED VELVET presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati -4.5/5
  • SCHOOL OF ROCK presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.25/5
  • SEUSSICAL The Musical presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.25/5
  • SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.75/5
  • SOONER/LATER presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park – 4.25/5
  • A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE presented by Falcon Theater – 4.25/5
  • SUPERTRUE presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 4.0/5
  • TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL presented by The Carnegie – 4.0/5
  • THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music – 4.75/5
  • THIS RANDOM WORLD presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 4.5/5
  • VENUS IN FUR presented by New Edgecliff Theatre – 4.75/5
  • WAITRESS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 4.75/5
  • WICKED presented by Broadway in Cincinnati – 5/5
  • Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA presented by The Carnegie – 4.25/5

Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2017

Closed 2016-2017 Season Productions

Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2016

Closed 2015-2016 Season Productions

Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2015

Closed 2014-2015 Season Productions

Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2014

2013-2014 Season Productions

Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2013

Closed 2012-2013 Season Productions

Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2012

Closed 2011-2012 Season Productions

2011 Cincinnati Fringe Festival