Shawn Says: “The Squid and the Octopus” Swims in Storytelling Gold

Yes, I like puppet shows! If Pixar ever opened a puppet division, The Squid and the Octopus would be its flagship tale.

“It’s part Pixar, part puppet show, and all heart—The Squid and the Octopus dives deep into storytelling magic.”

Jim Julien brings this underwater adventure to life with big-hearted storytelling, larger-than-life puppets, and shadow play that dances across the stage like bioluminescent jellyfish. Yes, he’s juggling a lot—literally—and could maybe use an extra set of hands (or eight), but it all adds to the scrappy, charming energy that makes this show shine.

There’s multimedia, clever humor (shoutout to the not-at-all-Credit-Express Cred-Ex lawyers), and a gentle tide of emotional resonance that sneaks up on you. It’s science-y without being stuffy, and fun without losing depth. Think Finding Nemo meets The Little Prince, with just enough Fringe weirdness to keep it spicy.

This show deserves a children’s book, a feature film, and probably a plush toy line. For now, though, do yourself a favor—dive in while you can. And use your tentacles for a giant (squid) round of applause.

🐙 Catch it before it swims away: https://cincyfringe.com/the-squid-and-the-octopus

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.