By Joseph McDonough
Enquirer contributor

There are a couple of exceptional solo performances being showcased on Cincinnati stages this month.

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival has offers an encore production of The Gimmick, the one-woman show by Dael Orlandersmith featuring Taylore Mahogany Scott as a young woman seeking to escape the traps of urban life in Harlem.

Meanwhile, several blocks away, the Know Theatre Tribe is producing Pretty Fire, an autobiographical play by Charlayne Woodard that is brought to life by an impressive performance by actor Burgess Byrd.

Pretty Fire is the story of Ms. Woodard's childhood in Albany, N.Y. Told in a series of vignettes, the separate but related stories range from a humorous account of her birth, to encountering the Ku Klux Klan while visiting Georgia, to the thrill of impressing her grandmother as she sings in the Sunday choir.

At the core of each story is the love and support that she receives from her family, such as when her mother teaches her a touching lesson on how to deal with prejudice after having been called the "N word" by a cruel classmate.

Ms. Woodard's message is a positive one.

As Charlayne grows up and learns about some of the harsh realities of the world, her family and faith help her grow stronger

. Instead of retreating, she decides "I want to live so God can use me. Anytime and anywhere."

Ms. Byrd captures the heart of Pretty Fire as she portrays all of Ms. Woodard's characters with focus, passion and humor.

She has a gift for characterization and uses a variety of voices, body postures and facial expressions to connect directly with her audience as she tells her tales.

Director Patrick Deavy (who did fine work with The Credeaux Canvas and Bash at ETC) works well with Ms. Byrd in sustaining the energy and pace of the stories, slowing down in just the right spots for dramatic emphasis.

Together they make effective use of Know's intimate theater setting, small playing area and shoestring budget.

Mr. Deavy and lighting designer Luke Brockmeier also work a little magic with Know's few lighting instruments.

The scene where Charlayne encounters the creepy neighborhood bully is a stunner.

Know and CSF are cross-promoting Pretty Fire and The Gimmick. Your ticket stub from one show will get you $2 off the price of the other show.

Pretty Fire, through Jan. 25, Know Theatre Tribe, 300-5669.