Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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

Official page |

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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

Official page | 

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November 3, 2025 · 6:30 pm

MEALS FOR MONOLOGUES at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati on Dec. 8-9 & 11

Casting Society of America Member D. Lynn Meyers to audition Actors
to encourage support of local foodstore

(Cincinnati, OH) Dim the lights, raise the curtain! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati hosts its 14th annual Meals 4 Monologues auditions. Actors from throughout the nation are invited to a general audition call to perform for ND. Lynn Meyers, a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA), and are encouraged to make a donation to Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank.

The event, in an effort to support local food banks while auditioning local talent, will be held in-person on Monday, December 8 from 11 am – 6 pm, Tuesday, December 9 from 9 am – 3 pm, and virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 11 from 10 am – 2 pm. This is an open casting call to all Equity union and non-union actors for future theatre, film, TV, and/or commercial projects cast by D. Lynn Meyers, CSA. This call is for all interested without regard to previous experience and with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Sign-ups are now available and are and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Audition time slots are 3 minutes each and must be scheduled ONLINE at www.ensemblecincinnati.org/about/auditions.

To audition:

  • ·Upload a current HEADSHOT and RÉSUMÉ (DO NOT email them) during sign-up
  • ·Prepare a short monologue and song (must be performed a cappella), or two prepared monologues
  • ·Make a suggested donation to the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank: https://bit.ly/M4M_25

The Freestore Foodbank is the largest emergency food and services provider to children and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, distributing 33 million meals annually to low-income individuals and families. The Freestore Foodbank supports 511 community partner agencies serving 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This includes food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, community centers, program sites, senior centers, and daycare facilities. The Freestore Foodbank is a member of Feeding America.

The Casting Society of America (CSA) is the premier organization of theatrical Casting Directors in film, television, and theatre. Although it is not a union, the CSA is a united professional society that consistently sets the level of professionalism in casting upon which the entertainment industry relies. CSA’s more than 490 members are represented not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. “I am very proud to be a member of the Casting Society of America,” says CSA member D. Lynn Meyers. “The idea of Meals 4 Monologues came from a desire to always see new talent and to aid the community. I am delighted at the opportunity to see new faces and to spread outreach beyond the Greater Cincinnati area through this event.”

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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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October 27, 2025 · 5:27 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Presents World Premiere Musical IT’S FRITZ! A Sequel to Fiona: The Musical, December 3 – 31, 2025

(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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