Maryland Ensemble Theatre family theatre’s The Fun Company announces new season

Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s (MET) family theatre The Fun Company is proud to announce a fantastic new five show season which includes an original world premiere production. “I’m very excited about our upcoming season,” said Fun Company Artistic Director, Julie Herber. “We have some terrific classic tales in store for theatre-goers as well as some literary favorites among young audiences that we are thrilled to bring to life on stage.”

The season will open September 26 with the musical Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat directed by Julie Herber. Based on the beloved children’s book first published in 1957 that has sold over 11 million copies and transformed Theodor Seuss Geisel from a successful advertising executive and political cartoonist, to world-famous illustrator and children’s author. Adapted by Katie Mitchell and featuring a score by Paul Clark, not a word has been touched or added to Dr. Seuss’s classic, ensuring that anyone who has read the story will find themselves transported into the world they’ve always imagined. The show premiered at the National Theatre of Great Britain in 2009 and was proclaimed “a triumph” by the London Times. The show is best suited for ages three and up.

Back by popular demand for the third straight year and just in time for the holidays, The Fun Company presents Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!. “I can’t tell you how many requests we’ve had to bring back Junie B. Jones and her group of lovable friends,” said Herber who will once again direct the show that will begin November 28 and continue through January 3.
Junie B. Jones In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park and tells the story of Junie, a first grader with an attitude. The holiday sing-along should be fun, but when it’s time for the Secret Santa drawing, Junie picks the one person she’d rather not have –Tattletale May. Don’t miss this family-friendly story, with a message about the importance of giving.

Beginning January 30 is James and the Giant Peach, based on the classic book by Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilida, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The BFG.  James and the Giant Peach is adapted by David Wood and will be directed by Shea-Mikal Green. Called, “Pure fun for the whole family. A remarkable theatrical feat,” by the Northampton Chronicle, this delightful play takes the audience on an exciting journey that is thrilling for all ages. James, a young orphan, is forced to live as a servant for his two cruel aunties, Sponge and Spiker, and in a magical turn of events ends up inside the pit of a giant peach. Joining James is an unexpected group of insect friends including – Miss Spider, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm. Experience the show that inspired the Sunday Mercury to suggest, “Move heaven and earth to see this wonderful adaptation!” The show is best suited for ages five and up.

The story of Cinderella was first published in 1634 and has been adapted numerous times throughout the years, including works by the Brother’s Grimm, Rossini, Prokofiev, Rogers and Hammerstein, and of course the classic Disney film.  In April, a musical adaptation of the famous folk tale adapted by Theatricks, of which Fun Company Artistic Director Julie Herber was a founding member, will grace the stage at MET. This rollicking musical version of the beloved classic fairy tale will enchant audiences of all ages. Under the ever-watchful eyes of her menacing Stepmother and Stepsisters, will Cinderella ever get to dance with the Prince? With her spunky charm and a little bit of help from her Fairy Godmother, she just might! But will she make it home before the clock strikes twelve? And who will the slipper fit? The show will feature original music and lyrics by Meryl Cullom. The show is best suited for ages five and up.

What would it be like if you could choose your own adventure play? The Amazing Interactive Adventure 2 lets YOU control the action! In this sequel to the popular show The Amazing Interactive Adventure in 2010, audiences become playwrights and directors along with a quick-witted cast that always has to be on their toes! “We can’t wait for the dynamic team of Allison and Jon Paul Duvall’s world premiere play to take our young viewers on a theatrical ride like they’ve never seen before!” said Herber. Join the journey and you may find yourself solving puzzles with robots, battling ninjas, escaping Vikings, or looking for clues with a spy… you decide! This thrilling show will be directed by Giovanni Katova and is best suited for ages five and up.
The Fun Company is proud to provide a fun and educational theater experience for children. All performances will take place in Stage2: The Greene Space at MET, which provides the Fun Company its own family friendly venue that includes mats for kids to sit on while watching the show.

When seeing a Fun Company show at Maryland Ensemble Theatre kids can enjoy activities such as face painting before the show and meeting the cast after the show. Tickets are $12 (plus a $2 service fee) or just $50 for a Fun Company Season Subscription. The Fun Company also offers group rates and birthday party packages. All performances take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel in downtown Frederick at 31 W Patrick St. For more information on the upcoming Fun Company season visit Maryland Ensemble Theatre or call 301-694-4744

(Banner photo: Disney’s Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage – Wikipedia)