Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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40 Years of Bold Storytelling

As we mark our 40th Anniversary Season, we’re honoring the past while diving headfirst into the future with a lineup that’s fresh, fearless, and full of unforgettable characters! From familiar titles to bold new voices, this season is a joyful reflection of everything we’ve built together—and everything still to come.

Join us for a season that celebrates 40 years of theatre magic and the stories that remind us who we are, where we’ve been, and the thrill of forging ahead.

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Sep 13–Oct 5, 2025

One of ETC’s most popular shows returns!

This Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical delves into the heart of a family shattered by mental illness but held together by love. Diana Goodman, a suburban mom battling bipolar disorder, struggles to connect with her ambitious daughter and devoted husband as they navigate the chaos of Diana’s condition. With a soaring, unforgettable score by Tom Kitt and poignant book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal is an unflinching, empathetic portrait of resilience, loss, and the pursuit of hope. Hailed by The New York Times as a “transformative” musical, this modern masterpiece is a must-see theatrical event. A runaway hit on Broadway—acclaimed by critics around the world—Next to Normal is a profoundly human story of struggle, perseverance, and hope.

Dec 3–31, 2025

The sequel to ETC’s bestselling show of all time arrives this holiday season!

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.

Jan 31–Feb 22, 2026

Every choice echoes. Every listener bears witness.

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, our sense of mercy, and who is truly worthy of either.

Mar 21–Apr 12, 2026

Family. You can’t pick ’em—even when they’re dead.

When Sienna receives a cryptic call about the untimely deaths of distant relatives in Blissfield, Indiana, she finds herself unexpectedly tasked with delivering eulogies for family members she’s never met. What begins as a peculiar obligation soon transforms into a journey of self-discovery and unexpected friendship with Millie, the quirky funeral home receptionist. This witty and heartfelt new play explores themes of identity, connection, and the stories we inherit. With sharp dialogue and poignant moments, Fourteen Funerals offers a comedic yet touching look at the ties that bind us, sometimes even after death.

May 9–31, 2026

The scariest thing isn’t the haunted house—it’s growing up.

Based on true events and full of nostalgic charm, The House on Watch Hill is a thrilling new theatrical experience that’s funny, deeply moving, and maybe just a little spooky! It’s summer 1984, and in a quiet Cincinnati suburb, a group of teen misfits has one mission: to build the best haunted house their neighborhood has ever seen. Led by 14-year-old horror fanatic Patrick, the team transforms an old, abandoned house on Watch Hill into something truly spine-tingling—but along the way, they confront fears that are far more real than any monster they can dream up. Set against the backdrop of Cold War anxieties, latchkey independence, and a soundtrack pulsing with original ‘80s-inspired music, The House on Watch Hill is a heart-pounding, heartwarming coming-of-age musical about friendship, loss, identity, and the power of imagination. A must-see for fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, and scrappy underdogs everywhere, this new musical captures the messy, magical moment between childhood and adulthood—when you’re old enough to know the world is scary but brave enough to face it anyway.

Photo credits | Tickets, Bryant Bentley, Burgess Byrd, & Leslie Goddard Baum in Detroit ’67 (Mikki Schaffner); Accessibility, Nathan Robert Pecchia & Phil Fiorini in Fly By Night (Ryan Kurtz); Plan Your Visit, Kathleen Wise in Grounded (Ryan Kurtz).