Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents a Revival of THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME... LIFE WITHOUT THE RUBY SLIPPERS

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) with community advocates including the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership of Frederick County (SHIP) are thrilled to present a revival of the original theatrical production There's No Place Like Home... Life Without The Ruby Slippers. Thanks to audience support and interest, the show returns to tell the truth about the human experience of homelessness and poverty in Frederick, told by those who have experienced it themselves. The show will run for three days in the first weekend of March at MET.

There's No Place Like Home... Life Without The Ruby Slippers incorporates acting, song, music, imagery, and the written word to add texture and detail to living a life in homelessness. With the introduction of the theatrical and artistic components to the everyday stories of homelessness and its many elements, There's No Place Like Home... Life Without The Ruby Slippers shines a light on and challenges widely held misconceptions about those living life in homelessness and poverty.

The project was the brainchild of MaryLynn Hinde, co-founder and Director of Operations of the nonprofit SHIP. "I had never participated in a theatrical production, much less help conceptualize, create and act in a play," says Hinde. "Working with MET and the community of amazing people whose stories and performances gave life and meaning to Ruby Slippers was an unexpected gift in so many ways. I now believe that art and advocacy belong together as a powerful messaging platform."

Julie Herber, Associate Artistic Director of MET and the original director of the production, returns to direct with a sense of invigoration. "The initial process of devising the piece was a completely fulfilling experience personally and professionally," says Herber. "We've had people asking for it ever since the original run. It only ran for one weekend and sold out every performance. So, we knew we wanted to do a re-mount at some point. The audience response and interest was overwhelming. We feel like the more we can share this, the greater the awareness and action will be within our community."

As it was with the original production, in efforts to make this a fully immersive experience for the audience, there will be photography exhibits, information tables and a post-show discussion with the creators as well as community collaborators. Those contributing include not only SHIP but On our Own (Frederick), Alderman Kelly Russell, Lt. Jason Keckler of the Frederick Police Department, Photographer Andrew Murdock of Natural Artistry, musician Freddie Long, filmmaker Daniel Wyland, The Frederick News-Post, Comcast and Frederick Magazine.

There's No Place Like Home... Life Without the Ruby Slippers will run March 2, 3, and 4 at 8pm and March 3 & 4 at 3pm at MET, located in the historic FSK Hotel? at 31 W Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, MD. Tickets to There's No Place Like Home... Life Without the Ruby Slippers are $35 for the front two rows reserved seating with a complimentary beverage, and $20 for general seating. All proceeds will support SHIP, One our Own, and The Religious Coalition to aid in their work with the homeless. Tickets can be purchased at 301-694-4744,marylandensemble.org or in person at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office.

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TICKETS / LOCATIONS/ DATES/ INFORMATION

There's No Place Like Home.... Life without the Ruby Slippers: A collaborative show that tells the truth about the human experience of homelessness and poverty in Frederick, told by those who have experienced it themselves. The show will run for three days in the first weekend of March at MET.

Where?: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701

Dates: March 2, 2018 - March 4, 2018

Performances: Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $35 Reserved Front Two Rows w/ Drink; $20 General Seating

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.)

Proceeds to support SHIP, On our Own, and The Religious Coalition

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