Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents SPELLING BEE Through 10/9

Maryland Ensemble Theatre presents the funny, irreverent musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee from September 10 through Oct. 9th at 31 W. Patrick St., in Frederick, MD.

In this hilarious tale of overachievers' angst, six adolescents in the throes of puberty, overseen by grownups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. In the end, this Tony Award-winning musical's quirky characters learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.

"This is really a perfect show for the MET," states Tad Janes, the MET producing artistic director and actor in the production. "This show was built by a comedy improv troupe- that takes us back to the origins of the MET- comedy improv!" "The show has a strong script and great songs, but does have an element of improv, and audience participation," explains Gene' Fouche' the productions director.

Four audience members are recruited to join the spelling competition with the cast. "It's such a great topic for theatre!" continues Janes, "if you watch any spelling bee, you see there is great pressure on those spellers- sometimes that shows itself in the form of laughter and sometimes tears. But there is always a real hope from the audience for all the participants to do well- and this show captures that feeling."

The show features MET ensemble members Tad Janes, Matt Baughman and Allison Lepelletier as well as MET regulars Will Emory and Amy Baughman. Joining the cast are MET newcomers Josh Kemper, Maura Lacy, Will Shelton and Comedy Pig troupe member Laura Stark. The production is directed by Gene' Fouche', musical direction by Alison Shafer, choreographed by Jenifer Dobbins, stage managed by Lynne Harrison, with assistance by Caitlyn Joy.

Music and lyrics are by William Finn and the book is by Rachel Sheinkin.

Show times: September 10 @ 8pm ($5 preview night!)

September 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 @ 8pm

September 26 @ 2pm

September 30 @ 8pm

October 1, 2, @ 8pm

October 3 @ 2pm & 7pm

October 7, 8, 9 @ 8pm

Tickets: Adults $24, Students/Seniors $21, Thursday & Sunday Evenings $15. Tickets may be purchased at the MET box office (10a-3pm, Tuesday through Friday or one hour before the show), online at marylandesnemble.org or by phone, 301-694-4744.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre

31 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701

301-694-4744

www.marylandensemble.org