Shawn Says: “Muttnik” Is Out of This World (and Into Your Heart)

Blast off to 1957 in the best basement space mission you’ll ever take.

Shawn Says: “One small step for dogkind, one giant leap for Fringe laughs.”

Muttnik, a one-“dog” show performed in the cozy basement of First Lutheran Church, is a stellar blend of history, humor, and heart. With clever effects, a well-crafted soundscape, and some serious storytelling chops, we’re taken on an imaginative journey through space—from the eyes of the first living creature the Soviets launched into orbit.

Think Star Trek meets The Dog Whisperer, with a side of Discovery Channel charm. The performer (Bruce Ryan Costella) draws you in with warmth and wit, making you forget you’re watching a solo act. (I’m pretty sure John Glenn would’ve gladly traded helmets for this kind of four-legged fame.)

By the end, I was misty-eyed—and then I went home and hugged my own dog a little tighter. This show is a love letter to loyalty, exploration, and those unsung heroes who barked at the moon before we ever walked on it.

🐾 So, be a good human—pet this show with your presence, toss it some laughs, and throw it an emotional biscuit or two. It’s earned them.

🚀 Grab your ticket here: https://cincyfringe.com/muttnik

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.