Know Theatre to Present EDGAR ALLAN & PETUNIA AND CHICKEN Encores

Know Theatre will 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.