Shawn Says: “Camp Loretto” is a Puppet-Fueled Joyride You Don’t Want to Miss

Reviewed for the League of Cincinnati Theatres for the Cincinnati Fringe Festival 2025

If summer camp, ghost stories, and late-night puppet therapy had a baby, it would be Camp Loretto.

Pull up a log and pass the marshmallows—Camp Loretto brings puppetry, campfire stories, and clever laughs to life at the Cincinnati Fringe.

Presented by the River Rat Puppet Collective, this Cincinnati Fringe show is a laugh-out-loud, all-ages adventure that cleverly blends hand puppets, rod puppets, and full-body characters into a rich, immersive storytelling experience. I genuinely felt like I was sitting around a campfire with a bunch of slightly deranged, deeply lovable woodland creatures—and I loved every second of it.

From the moment you enter the space, you’re transported into a world where bug spray becomes a punchline, marshmallows are more than snacks, and ghost stories don’t just haunt—they unravel the very nature of reality (seriously, no spoilers, but you’ll see). And let’s not forget the newly discovered turtle who might be going through an identity crisis by the time the run ends. It's all handled with such playful self-awareness that you can't help but grin the whole way through.

“Camp Loretto” is heartfelt, hilarious, and wildly creative. Whether you’re six or sixty, this show taps into something universal: the magic of make-believe and the joy of storytelling done right.

🎟️ Catch it before the fire burns out: https://cincyfringe.com/camp-loretto

Thanks for reading—and don’t forget to follow the League of Cincinnati Theatres to discover more unforgettable shows. Because every great performance deserves an audience.