Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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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October 23, 2025 · 5:32 pm

STAGE FRIGHT: Tales of Drama and Mystery On Nov. 1

STAGE FRIGHT: Tales of Drama and Mystery
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Nov. 1
[Over-the-Rhine]

Dare to be scared? Join us for a night of spooky storytelling with some of your favorite local actors! Keep the haunted vibes alive by wearing your best costume—you just might get to tell your own spine-chilling tale. Enjoy tasty bites, wicked drink specials, and an exclusive first look at our upcoming regional premiere musical, The House on Watch Hill!

  • Sat, Nov. 1 at 7pm

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September 19, 2025 · 12:49 pm

NEXT TO NORMAL Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynold

NEXT TO NORMAL presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through October 11th (extended). I attended the Opening Night performance. 

In celebration of its 40th Season (way to go, ETC!), Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati presents a re-mount of one of its most popular productions: NEXT TO NORMAL with music by Tom Kitt and book & lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama is the story of a family and how they navigate everyday – and not-so-everyday – troubles. Director D. Lynn Meyers (along with Assistant Directors Emily England and Becca Schall) give us a rock opera about mental health and its casualties at its finest.

Ms. Meyers truly encompasses everything a director should be: her vision goes above and beyond what most of us civilians could comprehend. In a show of this magnitude, it is safe to say that the production elements themselves are also important characters. It should come as no surprise that ETC delivers on all fronts. (I’m waiting for my partner in crime to tire of the fact that I will not shut up about an ETC set every single time I enter their theatre.) Scenic Designer Brian c. Mehring clearly understood the assignment with his appropriately stark and sleek blueprint of a set. Its design is solid (thanks to Carpenters Jeremiah Plessinger and Nathan Neorr) and its aesthetics (thanks to Scenic Charge Artist Rae Mack Kuhn) complement the lighting effects (executed flawlessly by Light Board Operator Allyson van Haaren and Spot Light Operators Krishangi Allin and Maximus Winski).

The set (and cast!) of NEXT TO NORMAL. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Music Director Steve Goers wields his magic once more in this strong ensemble piece. Mr. Goers has an enviable musicality and has been able to produce a simply stunning cacophony of emotionally-driven voices. (Particular shout-out to a seamless harmonic symphony in Act II’s “Song of Forgetting”.) His keyboard is supported by the following adept musicians: Aaron Almashy on guitar, William Mullen on drums, and Matt Wiles on bass.

This cast of six performing artists is an embarrassment of riches for lucky audiences. At the helm is Jessica Hendy as Diana, a woman struggling with a bi-polar diagnosis and the challenges of life as a wife and mother. Ms. Hendy has a clear, effortless voice rife with a deep emotional understanding of the material she is performing. Taking on the role of Diana’s husband Dan is Charlie Clark. Mr. Clark tackles probably the toughest character arc in the show and does so with incredible instincts and flawless portrayal.

My personal pick for stand-out performance is Julianne Ferguson in the role of Natalie. This talented CCM student commands the stage as the overachieving daughter who is just trying to find her place in life. Ms. Ferguson’s vocal talent is beyond her years: excellent control and filled with thoughtfulness. This will no doubt be one of many professional appearances for this up-and-coming artist.

Julianne Ferguson as Natalie and Charlie Clark as Dan. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Rounding out the ensemble are Carter Minor with an endearing turn as Henry; Jameson Zoller whose performance as Gabe is energetic and emphatic; and Rory Sheridan coming in like a hurricane as both Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine (and he is fine). Cheers to a superb ensemble!

Everyone can find something or someone in this story with whom they can empathize. Whether you’ve seen it before or this would be your first time, NEXT TO NORMAL is absolutely one of those shows you should make a priority. You will cry your heart out and then you will thank the performers for making it happen.

Click here for more information about the production.

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