BUNNICULA to Bring Book Series to Life at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) presents Jon Klein's howlingly funny Bunnicula, based on the successful book series by James and Deborah Howe. Directed by Ensemble Company member Matt Lee who shares one reason for his love of directing for kids, "Theatre is a unique opportunity to directly engage our youth in the art of storytelling. I am thrilled to be bringing one of my favorite children's books to life onstage for families to enjoy." The play will run at MET for four weeks beginning September 24.

Bunnicula is a musical based on James Howe's popular series. The first book, was co-written by James Howe and his wife, Deborah Howe, in 1979. Originally, the book was conceived as a way to distract Deborah from the pain of her cancer treatments. Sadly, Deborah did not survive to see the book published or its future as a very successful musical mystery.

Bunnicula adaptor Jon Klein is the author of an HBO Playwrights USA Award for "T Bone N Weasel" and the previously MET-produced "Betty The Yeti."As well as numerous other plays, Mr. Klein has adapted two Hardy Boys books for the stage for Seattle Children's Theatre (where Bunnicula had its premiere production).

Bunnicula tells the story of a vampire rabbit found by a family in a movie theater and brought home to meet the family's two pets, Chester the cat (Apple Reese) and Harold the dog (Jack Evans). When vegetables in the Monroe kitchen seem to be drained of their juices, it is up to the two animals to figure out why. Also in the cast are Amanda Spellman, Cody Gilliam, Maxwell Lamb and Lena Janes, with Bunnicula Puppeteer Andrew Zabetakis. The production is lucky enough to have Jennie Huntoon as musical director and Sarah Shulman as stage manager, with the talented design team of Cecelia Lee (set), Julie Herber (costumes), Bailey Sterling (choreography), Doug Grove (sound) and Chance Bender (lights).

Tickets are $14 and can be purchased at 301.694.4744, marylandensemble.org or in person at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office.

IF YOU GO:

Bunnicula
Adapted by Jon Klein, from the book by James and Deborah Howe
Directed by Matt Lee

Cast:
Harold: Jack Evans
Chester: Apple Reese
Mrs. Monroe: Amanda Spellman*
Mr. Monroe: Cody Gilliam
Toby: Maxwell Lamb
Pete: Lena Janes
Bunnicula (Puppeteer): Andrew Zabetakis
*The role of Mrs. Monroe will be played by Caitlyn Joy on October 8 & 9

Production Team: Cecelia Lee (Set), Sarah Shulman (Stage Manager), Julie Herber (Costumes), Doug Grove (Sound), Chance Bender (Lights), Jennie Huntoon (Musical Direction), Bailey Sterling (Choreography)

Where: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701
Dates: September 24 - October 30
Performances: Saturday and Sunday at 1:30pm
Ticket Prices: Adults and Children $14
Box Office: 301-694-4744 or marylandensemble.org or at MET (Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 3pm, Friday 11am - 3pm and one hour before each show.)

Jon Klein's play Bunnicula, based on the series of children's books by Deborah and James Howe, was first performed in the Seattle Children's Theatre in 1994. It was meant to be "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein," he says in a 2004 Washington Post interview.

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is dedicated to the creation and production of extraordinary theatre art through The Combined voices of a diverse ensemble of professional resident artists who are influential leaders in the community and visionaries in the art of theatre.

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