Fun Company's 2014-15 Season to Include STELLALUNA, THE LITTLE MERMAID & More

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre The Fun Company is proud to announce an exciting new season featuring an expanded schedule of five plays in a brand new performance venue. In September of last year Maryland Ensemble Theatre began a $100,000 Capital Campaign to convert 1,700 square feet of offices adjacent to MET current spaces into a new performance venue. While being a flexible playing space, it will primarily service MET's educational programing and as the home of The Fun Company's full season. "We are thrilled to launch this season in the new venue. We are hoping that by having its own performance space The Fun Company can create an even more inviting and interactive experience for our young theatergoers," said Julie Herber, The Artistic Director of The Fun Company. "We have some great classic titles and a dash of new and exciting stories to share with our family audiences. We are pleased to announce that we now have the luxury of adding more performances to fit into those ever-busy schedules." Herber is also planning new programing for the Fun Company this year. "With of the success of our 'Live Story Time at Dancing Bear', we hope to add programming for toddlers as well. We've had several requests to offer shows for 2-5 year olds and we plan on doing just that, now that we have the space and time to do that."

The season will open September 27 with a stage adaptation of the popular children's book "Stellaluna" by Jannell Cannon adapted for the stage by playwright Saskia Janse and composer Guus Ponsioen. Julie Herber will direct to the show, which will run through October 26. "This is a delightful and inventive adaptation of the delightful tale of the sweet megabat that incorporates song, dance, puppetry and ASL. It is guaranteed to be a visual treat!"

On November 29, "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells" returns after its sold out extended run last year. "I can't tell you how many requests we've had to bring back Junie B. Jones and her group of lovable friends," said Herber who will once again direct. "The show filled houses last season and we look forward to sharing the holidays once again with the kids in Room One." "Junie B. Jones" adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park tell the story of our heroine, Junie B. Jones, who must play Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Will Junie B. give 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".

Beginning February 7 is the stage version of the classic tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "The Little Prince". The most-read and most-translated book in the French language was adapted for the stage by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar and will be directed by MET Ensemble Member, Matt Lee. "Matt Lee's lively and experimental style is sure to add a whole lot of awesome to the show," said Herber. With regard to the show Herber said, "It's a true ensemble piece that is full of enchantment and heart. This is going to be a special treat for families to share together and it's our hope that it will spark many thoughtful discussions."

Another classic tale, Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid", will be the fourth show in The Fun Company's season and will begin April 4, 2015. The show will be a World Premiere adaptation by MET Ensemble Member, Devin Gaither. "After the success of her last work, 'My Monster and Me', once again Devin Gaither puts pen to paper to adapt this beloved story," said Herber. "Devin's scripts are always full of much more than just fluff and I'm sure she's got a lot up her sleeve to bring this undersea world to life that will give Disney a run for their money." MET Ensemble member and Comedy Pigs member, Laura Stark, will direct the show.

The final show of The Fun Company season will be yet another World Premiere as Caitlyn Joy brings, "A Wish Come True" to the MET beginning June 6, 2015. A twist on the Aladdin story by the MET Ensemble Member and author of previous Fun Company shows "The Star Stealer" and "The Pirates of Pelican Point". Caitlyn also created the recent community collaboration at FCC, "The Wizard of Odd". "I'm so excited to have Caitlyn create another Fun Company original," said Herber. "Her storytelling is so appealing to new generations of audiences and I know that audiences are not going to be disappointed." The show will be directed by MET Company Member Lia Seltzer.

The Fun Company is proud to provide a fun and educational theater experience for children. When seeing a Fun Company show at the MET kids can enjoy activities such as face painting before the show and meet the cast after. Tickets are just $12 (plus a $1.50 service fee) or just $50 for a Season Subscription. The Fun Company also offers group rates and birthday party packages. All performances take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel in downtown Frederick at 31 W Patrick St. For more information on the upcoming Fun Company season visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

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