MET Announces The Fun Company's 2016-17 Season

With an emphasis on imagination, humor, creativity, and FUN - Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre The Fun Company once again demonstrates its commitment to excellence in theatre for young audiences with the announcement of its 19th season.

The 2016-2017 season is filled with added special events, including Family Fun Days and a new First Look (theatre for the very young) series beginning in October to give an interactive theatre experience for younger children age 0-6.

FUN Company Artistic Director Julie Herber talks about the impact of theatre on children "Along with creating a lifetime of memories for families, attending theatre is a vital part of children's life education and development. Where else are they going to travel to places unknown all without leaving Frederick?" As Albert Einstein commented, "Logic will get you from point A to B. Imagination will take you Everywhere."

The season will open September 24 with Bunnicula, adapted for the stage by Jon Klein from the book by James & Deborah Howe and will be directed by Matt Lee. A cat and a dog find room in their hearts, and in their home, for one very unique bunny. The show is best suited for ages 5+.

Back by popular demand for the fourth straight year and just in time for the holidays, The Fun Company presents Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, adapted by Allison Gregory based on the book by Barbara Park. "I can't tell you how many requests we've had, year after year, to bring back Junie B. Jones and her group of lovable friends," said Herber who will once again direct the show that will begin November 26 and continue through January 1. Junie B. Jones In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park and tells the story of Junie, a first grader with an attitude. The holiday sing-along should be fun, but when it's time for the Secret Santa drawing, Junie picks the one person she'd rather not have -Tattletale May. Don't miss this family-friendly story, with a message about the importance of giving.

Beginning February 4 is another FUN Company World Premiere, A Tale of Two Trolls, written by company member Caitlyn Joy who last authored A Wish Come True for MET, and will be directed by Julie Herber.

Next in our line up is Rapunzel with a twist, in a commedia tale that is pure delight, The Commedia Rapunzel by Lane Riosley. Ms. Riosley is the 1991 winner of the Roger L. Stevens Award in Playwriting from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Commedia Rapunzel will be directed by Julie Herber and plays March 25 to April 30.

The Fun Company ends its season with a second World Premiere The Magnificent Mouse Detective Agency by Matt Lee. This thrilling mystery (featuring the world's smallest detective) opens on May 20th. The show is best suited for ages five and up.

The Fun Company is proud to provide a fun and educational theater experience for children. All performances will take place in Stage 2: The Greene Space at MET, which provides the Fun Company its own family friendly venue that includes front row mats for kids to sit on while watching the show.

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) or just $50 for a Fun Company Season Subscription. 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.

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FUN COMPANY 2016-17 SEASON:

Bunnicula
Adapted for the stage by Jon Klein
Based on the book by James & Deborah Howe
Directed by Matt Lee
September 23 - October 30

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Adapted by Allison Gregory
Based on the Book by Barbara Park
Directed by Julie Herber
November 26 - January 1

A Tale of Two Trolls
By Caitlyn Joy
Directed by Julie Herber
February 4 - March 5

The Commedia Rapunzel
By Lane Riosley
Directed by Julie Herber
March 25 - April 30

The Magnificent Mouse Detective Agency
By Matt Lee
Director TBD
June 4 - June 26

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Performances run at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Shows: Saturdays and Sundays @ 1:30 p.m. Ticket Prices: All Tickets $14 ($2 Service fee included in price of ticket.) Box Office: 301-694-4744 or marylandensemble.org or at the MET (Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 1 hour before each show).

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