(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is thrilled to present the much-anticipated sequel to its bestselling show of all time with the world premiere of It’s Fritz! from Cincinnati native Zina Camblin and ETC composer David Kisor. Everyone knows Fiona the hippo, but her little brother Fritz is still figuring out who he wants to be. In this new family-friendly musical, Hippo Cove’s newest arrival is ready to wade out of the background and into his own big moment. Playing December 3 – 31, 2025, this world premiere musical is holiday fun for the entire family! Directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsor is The Markley Family. Design Sponsor is The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.
Having a world-famous big sister makes Fritz wonder if there’s any spotlight left for him. When he sets out to find what makes him special, the path isn’t always clear, but with some help from the zoo’s colorful cast of animals, Fritz discovers that standing out starts by listening, learning, and leaning on those who believe in you. Full of humor and heart—and a few muddy puddles along the way!—this is a story about family, finding your place, and the courage it takes to create your own splash.
“Even though it’s a sequel, you don’t have to have seen the first one to enjoy the second,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We catch up on some of the things that happened to Fiona since we ended the first story. In this musical Fiona and Fritz are best friends, so it’s a beautiful story of the love of a big sister for her little brother. I’m thrilled we get to shine a light on the extraordinary work that the Cincinnati Zoo does, not only in the way they care for these marvelous animals, but in what they bring to our city. It’s a real privilege to be able to tell a story that, without them, wouldn’t exist.”
Cast includes Michael G. Bath (Hugh), Sara Mackie (Bibi), Andrew Maloney (Pelican/Zander), Brooke Steele (Colobus Monkey/Diana), Brandi La’Sherrill (Zoe), R. DeAndré Smith (Tucker), KG Rucker (Audrey), Maddi O’Connell (Fiona), TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins (Bearcat), Char Adams (Dudley/Kudu), Abigail Dirr (Baby Cheetah), and Elliet Malatesta (Baby Cheetah). Additionally, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati welcomes the following performers in their ETC debuts: Montez Jenkins Copeland (Giraffe/Dr. Cornelius), Krishangi Allin (Baby Kudu), Troian Butler (Fritz), Grace Caccavari (Baby Cheetah/Zoo Goer), and Allyson van Haaren (Baby Sloth).
Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez (Costume Designer), Jake Tillmann (Sound Designer), Becca Schall (Projection Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jacob Dowell (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Margot Whitney. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.
Performance Information
Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.
Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $22 for adults; student tickets are $29; and children are $27. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person.
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2025–2026 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.
The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.
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