GO DOG GO, THE STAR STEALER & More Set for Maryland Ensemble Theatre's Fun Company 2013-14 Season

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's family theatreThe Fun Company is proud to announce its upcoming season of four plays that are guaranteed to delight theatergoers of all ages. The season includes a musical version of a children's classic, a World Premiere original play, an adaptation of one of the most popular series of children's books and building on the success of the last few season, another commedia dell'arte piece. Fun Company Artistic Director, Julie Herber is as excited as ever for the upcoming season, "We have some really popular titles this year that families will be familiar with but we also have a great original story as well."

Opening on September 14 the first show of the season is a musical adaptation of the 1961 children's book by P.D. Eastman, Go Dog. Go!. Adapted by Steven Dietz andAllison Gregory with music by Michael Koemer the show was originally produced atSeattle Children's Theatre in 2003 and since has been widely staged, thrilling audiences throughout the United States. As the show's director, Herber will bring the classic children's book to life on stage in an exploration of movement, color and space.

The second show this season for the Fun Company opens this November and is also based on a popular children's book. The extremely popular Junie B. Jones has had 31 books published in the series since debuting just over twenty years ago. Adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory based on Barbara Park's book, Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells will be the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. The tale of Junie B., the famous first grader who draws the name of her nemesis in Secret Santa and learns about the importance of giving will also be directed by Herber.

Considering the tremendous success in recent years of the commedia productions ofPuss In Boots and Pinocchio it only made sense to return to the fun theatrical form this year. The Commedia Princess and the Pea written by Rebecca L. Byars andLane Riosley and directed by Reiner Prochaska will tell the classic tale in the fun commedia style characterized by improvisation, stock characters, masks, music and an exaggerated physicality. The show will run in February and March in 2014.

Wrapping up the Fun Company season in June of next year is a World Premiere written by MET Ensemble Member Catilyn Joy and directed by fellow Ensemble MemberVanessa Strickland. The Star Stealer tells the story of Bishop Magellan Orion who wants to be an intrepid space explorer like his hero Xavier Zenith so he's spending the summer in orbit before his parents send him off to the Intergalactic Academy. Soon, Bishop and his friends discover a greedy, star-stealing creature that threatens the entire universe!

The Fun Company is proud to provide a fun and educational theater experience for children. When seeing a Fun Company show at the MET kids can enjoy face painting before the show and meet the cast after. The Fun Company also offers group rates and birthday party packages. All performances take place at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel in downtown Frederick at 31 W Patrick St. The 2013-14 Fun Company season is made possible in part through the support of season sponsors PNC Bank and GTI Federal. For more information on the upcoming Fun Company season visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

FUN COMPANY SEASON INFORMATION
Go Dog Go
Adapted by Steven Dietz & Allison Gregory, Music by Michael Koemer
Directed by Julie Herber
September 14 - October 5
Saturday 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 at 2pm. Sunday 9/29 at 2pm. Friday 10/4 at 7pm. Saturday 10/5 at 2pm.

Junie B. Jones In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Adapted by Allison Gregory Based on the Book by Barbara Park
Directed by Julie Herber
November 30 - December 29
Saturday 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 at 2pm. Sunday 12/1, 12/8, 12/29 at 2pm

The Commedia Princess and the Pea
By Rebecca L. Byars and Lane Riosley
Directed by Reiner Prochaska
February 22 - March 15
Saturday 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15 at 2pm. Sunday 3/9 at 2pm.

The Star Stealer
A World Premiere by Catilyn Joy
Directed by Vanessa Strickland
June 7 - 29

All Tickets: $13.50; $1.50 per ticket handling charge added on telephone and online orders. Box Office: 301-694-4744 or marylandensemble.org or at the MET (Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 3pm, Friday 11am - 3pm and 1 hour before each show.)