MET's Fun Company to Premiere A WISH COME TRUE

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre, The Fun Company, is proud to present the World Premiere of "A Wish Come True". The modern day "Aladdin" adaptation by MET company member Caitlyn Joy will be directed by fellow company member Lia Seltzer. Full of fun and memorable characters the show will feature catchy original music by local composer and Urbana high school student Connor Cochran. The magical tale tailored for audiences ages ten and older will run at MET in June for eight performances over four weeks.

Ally is frustrated and unpopular until she finds a genie in a ring that used to belong to the most popular girl in school. Ally's wishes are granted and she gets everything she thinks she wants but she soon learns that wishes are tricky and getting what you wish for isn't the same as getting what you wanted. Playwright Caitlyn Joy whose previous playwriting credits include "The Pirates of Pelican Point", "The Starstealer" and "The Wizard of Odd" had many reasons for wanting to write the show. "I wanted to explore the unlikely heroes and outcasts that are often overlooked in traditional fairy tales and give them a voice while writing a family show that would appeal to the preteen and teenage audience. The 'Aladdin' story is also a great cautionary tale about the downsides of materialism. I think that the story is all too relevant in an age where it seems like what we have is never enough. My hope is that while the character of Ally goes on her journey to learn what is truly important, the audience will be reminded that our possessions and popularity don't define us and that we all have magic inside."

Director Lia Seltzer, who also works in a library in charge of young adult services, was immediately drawn to the script and being able to bring the story of Ally to life. "We are having so much fun as an ensemble, working together to put on this funny and magical show. This show has an inspiring message about the magic in all of us, and trying to find it at one of the most trying times of our lives. Middle school!" Seltzer is directing a talented cast featuring Lisa Burl, Giovanni Kavota, Devin Gaither, Katie Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Karli Cole, Matt Lee, James McGarvey, Katie Rattigan, and Tim Seltzer. Assisting in bringing the show to life will be a design team of Allison Duvall (costumes), Julie Herber (choreography), Giovanni Kavota (lighting design), Ken Poisson (sound design) and Tabetha White (set design). "The cast is wildly talented and hilarious and the music by Connor is not only fun and enjoyable but artistically complex as well," said Seltzer. The director's energy and sense of humor guarantee that audiences will be in for a treat and hopefully kids and adults alike with take the message of the show to heart.

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. All performances of "A Wish Come True" are at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. The show runs every Saturday and Sunday from June 6th through June 28th at 1:30pm. 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.

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