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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 three years, "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" has been one of the best selling shows in the Fun Company's nearly 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. "Ever since our first year, there has been so much excitement and actual demand for this show. We will continue to meet that demand (delight!) this year. 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. We don't know if this show could endure like Dickens' classic has, but it is great to see so many young people enjoying theatre 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. Author Barbara Park has won seven Children's Choice Awards, and four Parents' Choice Awards. She has 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.
Director 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, 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 Edward Stockman will be joining this year as the lovable hypochondriac, Sheldon, and Michael Miller will delight audiences as Jose.
Herber will be assisted by a design team that includes Doug Grove (lights), and Cecilia Lee (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 26 through January 1 at 1:30pm. Tickets are $14 (includes all fees), and may be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre's The Fun Company seeks to provide high quality, affordable theatre for the whole family that is both educational and entertaining, by presenting an annual Family Theatre Series, an In-School Productions outreach program and Fun Camp.
The Fun Company offers group rates and birthday party packages. For more information on Fun Company or the full season visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.
IF YOU GO:
Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park
Directed by Julie Herber
Production: Julie Herber (Costumes/Props), Vanessa Strickland and Sarah Shulman (Props), Doug Grove (Lights), Cecilia Lee (Set Designer), Maria Laird (Stage Manager)
Where: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701
Dates: November 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Performances: Every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30pm
Ticket Prices: $14 (price includes all fees)
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.)
