Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

January 8, 2026 · 5:48 pm

WHERE WE STAND Runs Jan. 31-Feb. 22

WHERE WE STAND 
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Jan. 31-Feb. 22
[Over-the-Rhine]

What does community mean? And what do we owe to one another? In a town running low on compassion, a mysterious outsider stands before their community—before us—to confess a life-altering choice made at the crossroads of desperation and desire. A gripping blend of fable and modern-day storytelling, this stirring, poetic solo piece invites the audience to become part of the story, weighing mercy against consequence in real time. Where We Stand explores the story of an individual driven to the brink, challenging our understanding of forgiveness, mercy, and who is truly worthy of either. WHERE WE STAND is a poetic, interactive solo-theater piece rich in humor, music, and heart. Though accessible for general audiences, it thoughtfully addresses mature themes such as justice, morality, and social responsibility, and contains onstage consumption of alcohol.

  • In preview Sat, Jan. 31 at 7pm
  • In preview Tue, Feb. 3 at 7pm
  • Wed-Fri, Feb. 4-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 8 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Feb. 10-13 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 14 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 15 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Feb. 17-20 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 21 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 22 at 2pm

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January 6, 2026 · 5:47 pm

JOURNEY: The 2025-2026 Apprentice Showcase on Jan. 25-26

JOURNEY: The 2025-2026 Apprentice Showcase
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Jan. 25-26
[Over-the-Rhine]

Featuring: Krishangi Allin, Troian Butler, Grace Caccavari, Allyson van Haaren & Maximus Winski

Our 2025-2026 Professional Acting Apprentice Company Showcase “Journey” will explore growing pains and triumphs as they reflect on the paths they take – both seen and unseen – and the moments that shape them along the way. Through a series of songs and scenes, this showcase traces beginnings, challenges, growth, and arrival, highlighting that the journey itself is as meaningful as the destination.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot for a chance to see the stars of tomorrow!

  • Sun-Mon, Jan. 25-26 at 7:30pm

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December 8, 2025 · 6:09 pm

IT’S FRITZ Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

It’s Fritz presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through December 31st. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The cast of It’s Fritz! presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati carries on its tradition of producing a family-friendly offering during the holiday season with the premiere of It’s Fritz! with book by Zina Camblin and Music & Lyrics by David Kisor. A sequel to 2023’s Fiona: The Musical, audiences go on a journey with world-famous Fiona’s little brother as he tries to find what makes him special in the wonderful world of zoo animals.

Director D. Lynn Meyers fills the experience with familiar touches from the first part of this musical expedition as many of the characters have returned for a second time around. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring features a beautifully colourful set with all sorts of places to play. Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez adds such a creative spin on each character, morphing the players’ human figures with distinctively animal-specific touches. (The UC jacket on the bearcat is a fire choice.) Dee Anne Bryll’s choreography excellence is center-stage on this one, offering a proficient range of dance styles to complement not only the music, but the characters’ arcs as well.

Per usual, ETC’s large cast of performing artists is enthusiastic and versatile. In no particular order, Michael G. Bath delivers as a “street-wise” sparrow named Hugh; Montez Jenkins Copeland serves and then some as Raffe/Dr. Cornelius; and KG Rucker offers a nearly unrecognizable version of themselves as Audrey/Reporter. And not to be overlooked, Brooke Steele knocks it out of the park as Colobus Monkey/Diana. I want to be her when I grow up (Brooke, that is – not Diana.)

While the story is a bit weak and the songs end right as they seem to get off the ground, it is important for us to remember this show is geared toward being inclusive of all audience members’ attention span. There are some goofy laughs, touching moments, and the lesson told is timeless: you will discover your special gifts if you practice patience, muster up the courage to jump in, and accept the support of your family. It’s Fritz! reminds us that a feel-good piece is always in style.

Click here for more information about the production.

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December 4, 2025 · 5:41 pm

EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTMAS On Dec. 15

EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTMAS
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Dec. 15
[Over-the-Rhine]

Did you know that the most popular of all Christmas treats, the candy cane, originated from the staff carried by St. Nicholas? That poinsettias are native to Mexico and became popular at Christmas because of their red and green color? These and other facts, stories, and songs of the season are shared during Expectations of Christmas, a special one-night show that features some of Ensemble Theatre’s most recognizable actors. All ages.

Tickets are $15 and all proceeds benefit our Over-the-Rhine neighbor Tender Mercies, which provides permanent and transitional housing for the homeless with histories of chronic mental illness.

  • Mon, Dec. 15 at 7pm

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November 6, 2025 · 6:49 pm

IT’S FRITZ Runs Dec. 3-31

IT’S FRITZ
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Dec. 3-31
[Over-the-Rhine]

Written by Zina Camblin
Composed & Lyrics by 

Directed by D. Lynn Meyers
Music directed by Steve Goers
Choreographed by Dee Anne Bryll

Cast: Char Adams as Dudley/Kudu, Krishangi Allin as Baby Kudu/Zoo Goer, Michael G. Bath as Hugh, Troian Butler as Fritz, Grace Caccavari as Baby Cheetah/Zoo Goer, Abigail Dirr as Baby Cheetah/Zoo Goer, Montez Jenkins Copeland as Raffe/Dr. Cornelius, TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins as Bearcat, Brandi La’Sherrill as Zoe, Sara Mackie as Bibi, Elliet Malatesta as Baby Cheetah/Zoo Goer, Andrew Maloney as Pelican/Zander, Maddi O’Connell as Fiona, KG Rucker as Audrey/Reporter, R. DeAndré Smith as Tucker, Brooke Steele as Colobus Monkey/Diana, Allyson van Haaren as Baby Sloth/Zoo Goer

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. Having a world-famous big sister, though, 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. Suitable for general audiences. IT’S FRITZ is a fun, family-friendly musical with playful humor and positive messages about self-discovery, sibling dynamics, and finding your voice. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children under 4 cannot be admitted.

  • In preview Sat, Nov 22 at 2pm
  • In preview Sat, Nov 29 at 2pm
  • Wed-Fri, Dec. 3-5 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 6 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 7 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Dec. 9-12 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 13 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 14 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Dec. 16-19 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 21 at 2pm
  • Tue, Dec. 23 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 26-27 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 28 at 2pm
  • Mon-Tue, Dec. 29-30 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 31 at 2pm

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