It’s Fritz! A Sequel to Fiona:The Musical is now open at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. The legendary animals of the Cincinnati Zoo are brought to life again in this romping new part of the tale. The writing team that created Fiona: The Musical, Zina Camblin and David Kisor, take us on a new leg of this tantalizingly cute adventure with Fiona’s younger brother, Fritz, stepping into the spotlight.
The Story
For decades, ETC has been providing family stories during the holidays. Their December show has quickly become a winter tradition for families and theatre goers. Although It’s Fritz! takes place during much warmer times, with nods to the African savannah, this production wraps you up in the same warm hug as a cup of cocoa enjoyed around a roaring fire.
The premise: Being the younger sibling to a world-famous sister, it can be hard to find your place. Although Fritz’ journey into this world didn’t come with quite as flashy headlines as Fiona, he brings a new generation of adoration for the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo. But how can he step out of his sister’s spotlight and find what makes him special?
Fritz (Troian Butler), Bibi (Sara Mackie) and Tucker (R. Deandre Smith) and of course Fiona (Maddi O’Connell), along with other fan favorite animal characters discover that what makes you special can be found within.
Performances
ETC’s holiday production brings some of the best and brightest performers in the region to the stage each year and this world premiere is no different. This year we see a new face take the spotlight on the ETC stage. Recent Baldwin Wallace graduate, Troian Butler takes on the title role captivating audiences from his first splash in the pool. Butler brings a wide- eyed wonder and playful optimism to the role, making Fritz feel relatable to audience members young and old. He brings moxie (and a bit of clumsiness) to the role that mimics the trials any young person may feel.
Although Butler portrays the title character, he is not the only stand-out performance. Montez Jenkins Copeland portrays Raffe, the dancing giraffe. The tenacity and spunk–and stamina–Copeland brings to this role has audiences guffawing through the rafters and at times dancing along from their seats.
Staying true to the ETC Holiday show, many characters include Gen Z references throughout the performance. The captivating Brooke Steele takes on the Colobus Monkey, a very tech savvy thieving primate, as well as Diana, a mean-girl zoo worker. Steele leaves audiences reveling in her ability to portray such opposite character, in quick succession, with such grace and success. Local favorite Michael G. Bath joins in on the fun with his portrayal of Hugh, the trespassing sparrow. Bath’s character, a spot-on rendition of a steely gangster from black and white movies, includes references with modern vernacular and a few “skibbidi’s” and “6,7’s” thrown in for good measure.
Creative Leadership
D. Lynn Meyers brings another roaring world premiere to life with her direction of It’s Fritz! Meyers seamlessly blends the world of humans and animals thrown together. Paired with the effervescent choreography of local legend, Dee Anne Bryll, Meyers has created the perfect escape with breakdancing giraffes, rapping zookeepers, and the new addition to everyone’s favorite hippo family. Music Director Steve Goers ensures the singers are giving their all while leading a nine piece band.
Special accolades should be given to scenic and lighting designer Brian c. Mehring who manages to create a world as kooky and energized as the zoo babies. His athletically charged sets blurs the line between the human and animal worlds, allowing actors to create vivacious, whimsical, and at times mischievous, characters that bring this lighthearted romp to life. Costume design by Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez is simply a delight, allowing movement and clearly identifying both the animal and performer.
Overall
Writers Zina Camblin (Book) and David Kisor (Music and Lyrics) have done it again, creating a world of intrigue and jubilance that will last the entire holiday season.
Where else can you flock to see a tale of adventure, friendship and perseverance all told by dancing and rapping animals? Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s world premiere of It’s Fritz! A Sequel to Fiona: The Musical simply can’t be missed. This immersive experience has audiences dancing and singing from their seats and begging for more.
Grab your tickets now and join the world-famous hippos on their new journey. Last season, families across the tri-state fell even more in love with the tale of Fiona in Fiona: The Musical creating the highest grossing show in ETC history.
Tickets to It’s Fritz!
It’s Fritz! runs through December 31, 2025, at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Suitable for children (and children at heart) ages 4 and up. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in person at 1127 Vine Street, by calling (513)421-3555 or online at ensemblecincinnati.org
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.
- $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.
- Group discounts available for 8+.
