FRED'S DINER Opens 5/26 at Maryland Ensemble Theatre

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) presents award winning playwright Penelope Skinner's dark comedy Fred's Diner. On a busy English motorway, people dream of better lives -- Chloe wants to emigrante, Melissa dreams of university, Heather wants to rebuild her life, and Sunny wants Heather. You'll find friendly staff and get service with a smile, but not far beneath lie dashed dreams, dysfunctional families, and a deadly secret.

Directed by Peter Wray (longtime MET director) are the diner's three waitresses: Heather played by MET Associate Artistic Director Julie Herber, Melissa by Lauren Johnson (most recently seen on the MET stage in The Commedia Rapunzel), and Chloe by Lisa Burl (longtime A Christmas Carol actress who was also recently in A Tale of Two Trolls). The cast is rounded out with Matthew Bannister as Fred, Matt Lee as Greg and Ron Ward as Sunny.

The Diner crew includes: Scenic Designer Patrick Wallace, with MET Company Members Cody Gillian as Costume Designer, Tabetha White as Lighting Designer, Doug Grove as Sound Designer, and Lorrie Lee as Props Designer. Meg Hughes is Stage Manager with Madeline Reinhold as Assistant Stage Manager.

About the Playwright: Penelope Skinner won both of the UK's most promising playwriting prizes (George Devine Award, the Charles Wintour) for her play The Village Bike, which premiered at London's Royal Court Theatre. She was nominated for a 2012 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement and was the writer for several seasons of London's "Fresh Meat."

Fred's Diner opens on Friday May 26th and runs until June 18th every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for students and seniors; with special pricing for Hood College and Frederick Community College students. There is a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday, May 25th. Tickets may be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office.