JUNIE B. JONES: JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS Returns to Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre, The Fun Company is bringing back everyone's favorite first-grader this holiday season, the famously feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones. With plenty of laughs and life lessons, "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.

For the last two years, "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" has been one of the best selling shows in the Fun Company's almost two decades of producing plays, selling out all scheduled performances and additionally added shows. Fun Company Artistic Director Julie Herber will once again direct the show. "We were originally looking at doing another show in this slot but there was so much excitement for this show last year, we decided to bring Junie B. back again. We find that the holidays are a time of year when people enjoy revisiting seasonal entertainment. We've been producing "A Christmas Carol" for over twenty years and it has become a holiday tradition in downtown Frederick. Who knows, maybe we're starting a new tradition. I don't know if this show could endure like Dickens' classic has, but I do know it was great to see so many young people enjoying theater so much."

In "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" our heroine, Junie B. Jones, must play Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Will Junie B. give Tattletale May exactly what she thinks she deserves or will the holiday spirit force a change of heart? Will the Holiday Sing-Along go as planned? It's all part of the festive adventure in Room One that is "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells".

Junie B. Jones has been entertaining children since author Barbara Park first introduced her in 1992. Dozens of books have followed and Junie B. Jones has become one of the most beloved characters in children's literature. The author, Barbara Park, won seven Children's Choice Awards, and four Parents' Choice Awards before passing away last year. She had also written many middle grade novels, such as "The Kid in the Red Jacket". The show was adapted from the book for the stage by award winning playwright Allison Gregory. The Fun Company's previous show "Go, Dog. Go!" also a successful children's book, was also adapted by Gregory along with Steven Dietz.

Herber isn't the only one returning as most of the cast of characters from last year's production will be back. Tori Weaver, Reiner Prochaska, Matt Lee, Katie Rattigan, Giovanni Kavota and Emily Raines as the title character, Junie B. Jones, are thrilled to revisit their roles that brought so much joy to families last year. MET ensemble member Kevin Cole will be joining this year as the lovable hypochondriac, Sheldon.

Herber will be assisted by a design team that includes Doug Grove (lights), and Joann Foltz (set), while Herber herself will design the costumes. All performances of "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" are at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. The show runs every Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through January 3 at 1:30pm. Tickets are $14, and may be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office.

Now in its twenty-first season, 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 "James and the Giant Peach" and the World Premiere of "Cinderella" and the World Premiere of "The Amazing Interactive Adventure 2 ".

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). 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 marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

Adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park

Directed by Julie Herber

Featuring: Emily Raines (Junie B. Jones), Tori Weaver (May), Reiner Prochaska (Mr. Scary), Matt Lee (Herb/Grampa Miller), Kevin Cole (Sheldon/Philip Johnny Bob), Katie Rattigan (Lucille/Elf Ellen), Giovanni Kavota (Jose/Mr. Toot)

Production: Julie Herber (Costumes/Props), Vanessa Strickland (Props) Sarah Shulman (Props), Doug Grove (Lights), Joann Foltz (Set Designer), Lorrie Lee (Stage Manager)