Monthly Archives: December 2023

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

FIONA: The Musical presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Dec. 29th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Elexis Selmon as Yellow Oxpecker, Erin McCamley as Fiona & Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Giraffe. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

As the daughter of an Irish woman, I grew up very familiar with the Gaelic name Fiona. A lot more people became familiar with that name when a wee film named Shrek was released in 2001. And still even more became familiar with it when an even more wee hippopotamus was born several weeks too early in the grand old town of Cincinnati, OH only to eventually become a world-wide sensation.

This December, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing us the family-friendly, world premiere production of Fiona: The Musical with book by Cincinnati playwright Zina Camblin and music & lyrics by ETC’s very own composer, David Kisor. Coupled with the talent of the Camblin-Kisor partnership and input from Cincinnati Zoo’s staff, Fiona tells us the story of the little hippo who could and reminds us that underdogs should never be dismissed.

To say this production is star-studded is almost an understatement – Director D. Lynn Meyers doesn’t mess around. The production boasts a powerhouse cast and crew of both veteran and novice players alike. (I will never be able to mention everyone’s names, but please know: you are all BRILL!) Set design by Brian c. Mehring is creative and colourful, two great qualities when a show takes place in a zoo. Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez deserves a standing “o” for her very smart and innovative costumes. Ms. Ortiz Lopez masterfully combines clothing which fits a human body while allowing the actors to convince us even further they are part of the animal kingdom without hinderance from accessories and the like. Brava to Maria – let’s see more of her work in this area!

With such an illustrious cast, it is difficult to choose a few to mention by name. However, Sara Mackie as Bibi is everything you can imagine you’d want to see in the role of Fiona’s mother. Few others could give us the pure spirit of a hippo while also breaking our heart in some of the more challenging moments of Fiona’s journey. Fortunately, Ms. Mackie was the perfect choice and we are so lucky to have her! From her expressive facial and physical gestures to her commanding vocals to her all-around affability, Ms. Mackie is a freaking treasure and everyone should take note.

Serving as both a performing artist and Choreographer on this project is another absolute treasure: Darnell Pierre Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin’s showing in Fiona may final solidify the answer: no, there is nothing he can not do. Exuberant to just the right degree and as refined as he is powerful, he will have you cheering (and booing) him all in great fun.

Finally, in the titular role we have new to the ETC stage (but not new to stages in general) Erin McCamley. With an impressive resume under her belt and the ability to transform herself into just about any character, Ms. McCamley was the ideal choice to play Fiona. From her first sounds as the premature baby hippo, you will be hooked. (I’ll admit it: I audibly squeed.) She is endearing and you will find yourself wanting to be one of Fiona’s biggest cheerleaders.

All in all, this truly is an experience for all ages. While the show clocks in at just under 2 hours including an intermission, the songs are short and sweet and perfect for any attention level and the story will keep you cheering for the “good guys” to prevail. And yes: there is a happy ending, something we can all use every now and again.

Click here for more information on the production.