MET's The Fun Company to Present THE LITTLE MERMAID

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre, The Fun Company, will present a World Premiere adaptation of the classic tale of a young mermaid who longs to be human, "The Little Mermaid". Featuring an original score by Callan Holderbaum, MET company member Laura Stark will direct an original adaptation by fellow company member Devin Gaither based on the fairy-tale by Hans Christian Anderson. An entertaining show for the whole family, it will run at MET this April and May for nine performances over five weeks.

The play tells the story a young mermaid who trades her voice for a chance to gain the love of a handsome prince. "It examines the true nature of the heart and what one must go through in order to discover who you really are," said Stark. "That molding yourself to fit what is expected or envisioned for you by others, will ultimately make you unhappy. Finding out what your heart truly desires and staying faithful to that and to those that love you regardless. It's a story that will apply to everyone. There is quite a bit of humor in it that kids will enjoy along with bits that will entertain the parents as well."

Danish author Hans Christian Anderson was a prolific writer of plays, novels, and poems, but he is mostly remembered for his fairy tales. His fairy tales have been translated into more than 125 languages and have become a staple in almost every home. In addition to "Little Mermaid" his most well know fairy tales include "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Ducking" and "The Emperor's New Clothes."

Stark will direct a talented cast featuring Surasree Das, Thomas Scholtes, Jeanine Urso Collins Evans, Melissa Gregory, Apple Reese, and Brent Comer, and will be assisted by a design team that includes Joanne Lee (set), Sarah Shulman (lights), Julie Herber (costumes), and Caitlyn Joy (props). Performances will take place in the new 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.

All performances of "The Little Mermaid" are at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. The show runs every Saturday and Sunday from April 4 through May 3 at 1:30pm, except for April 5 (Easter). Tickets are $12 (plus a $1.50 service fee), and may be purchased by phone at (301) 694- 4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office.

The Fun Company seeks to provide high quality, affordable theatre for the whole family that is both educational and entertaining by presenting a yearly Family Theatre Series, an In School Productions outreach program and Fun Camp. The Fun Company's upcoming shows include the World Premiere of "A Wish Come True".