HANSEL & GRETEL Plays Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's family theatre, The Fun Company, present Hansel and Gretel, the classic fairy tale recorded by The Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. The Fun Company's hilarious production with a "family-friendly" ending is sure to entertain children and adults alike.

In Hansel and Gretel, the children's new stepmother, Brunnhilde, sends them on an errand to the other side of the dark forest. In the forest Hansel and Gretel are captured by a cat-loving witch with unusual culinary obsessions. Of course the resourceful siblings will save the day and they even make a few new friends in the process.

German-born actor/writer Reiner Prochaska, who directs the show, was immediately drawn to this fairy tale from his native land, "This was a great chance to imbue a well-known story with the rich cultural heritage of my native land. I remember spending the Christmas holidays with my grandparents in the Bavarian Alps and I'm inspired with details for the music, costumes, and attitudes-all of which I hope will make this show a funny and heart-warming experience for the whole family. I'm thankful for an immensely talented and dedicated cast and crew, who have made the job of bringing this story to life a pleasure," said Prochaska.

Running at the same time is MET's traditional production of A Christmas Carol at the Weinberg Center for the Arts and on the MET's mainstage a funny satirical slant on that holiday classic called A Christmas Twist.

The Fun Company is the family theatre branch of Maryland Ensemble Theatre. Artistic Director, Julie Herber has been working with young audiences for over 20 years, providing entertainment, education and support. The 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.

For over a decade, Maryland Ensemble Theatre has been producing thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools, challenging classes and the side-splitting Comedy Pigs. The MET is an artistic leader in the region and at the forefront of the creation of Frederick's Theater District.

HANSEL & GRETEL INFORMATION

Starring: Alex Guyker (Brunnhilde), Caitlyn Joy* (Gretel), Josh Kemper (Hansel), Michelle Simms (Gracie), Lia Seltzer (Witch), Andrew Yanek (Poppa)

Director and Designers: Reiner Prochaska* (Director), JoAnn Lee* (Set Design), Doug Grove* (Lighting Design), Julie Herber* (Costume Design), Ken Poisson* (Sound Design)

* Maryland Ensemble Company Members

Where: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701

Dates: December 11, 2010 - January 8, 2011

Performances: December 11, 12, 18, 19, 26 @ 2pm, January 2 @ 2pm, January 6, 7, 8 @ 7pm

Ticket Prices: All Tickets: $12
$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.)