MET-X and Theatre FCC to Premiere PIPER This August

MET-X, of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET), and Theatre FCC, of Frederick Community College, are collaborating on the world premiere play "Piper", coming to the JBK Theater at Frederick Community College (7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick) from August 7 through 15.

"Piper" is a re-interpretation of the classic fable of the Pied Piper transported to the heart of the American Dustbowl at the height of the Great Depression. It tells the story of a charming con man with a mysterious power who drifts into a poor migrant town. In a parable full of folk and gospel music, he and the residents of Hamelin learn what happens when faith is tested, promises are broken, and greed threatens to turn everything to dust.

This partnership between Theatre FCC and MET-X has previously produced two world premieres - "Robin Hood: Occupy Sherwood" and last summer's "The Wizard of Odd", as well as J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan". Julie Herber, Artistic Director of The Fun Company (MET's family theater), who has directed all of the previous collaborations, will also direct "Piper".

The play is penned by Caitlyn Joy who is a graduate of the theater program at Towson University and an alumna of MET's Ensemble School, where she currently teaches. Joy's previous playwriting credits include "The Pirates of Pelican Point", "The Starstealer", "The Wizard of Odd", and "A Wish Come True".

Of the production Joy said, "The story of the Pied Piper always fascinated me because there's no hero or villain which, in my opinion, is pretty deep for a children's fairy tale. In the original and in our new adaptation the characters are given several opportunities to do the right thing but, due to their greed or desire for revenge, they make the wrong choice and everyone suffers the consequences. I really wanted to explore the potential for good and evil in every character - we all have that in us and it's the choices we make that define who we are."

MET-X is special programming created outside of MET's regular season that provides opportunities to partner with collaborating producers. Theatre FCC and MET and thrilled that this particular partnership is engaging so many members of the community.

In fact, the cast of "Piper" numbers 45 actors, featuring Matthew Orloff, Emily Cofer, Lia Seltzer, Emily Raines, Reiner Prochaska, Tim Seltzer, Dakota Rosell, Ken Poisson, Luke DeBoinville, Connor Cochran, Brandon Kayda, Surasree Das, Katie Rattigan, Renee Gerrard, Grace Silva, Madeline Summers, Jessica Pluckett, Sarah Deleonibus, Noah Sommer, Jarrod Celeste, John Alderman, Emily Loecken, Rose Kelly, Brielle Jobe, Lexi McKenzie, Charlotte Cooper, Wilson Seltzer, Grace Scheiry, Sophia Beers-Arthur, Natalie Geyer, Katarina Peters, Iman Mansmoor, Sola Beers-Arthur, Daniel Pluckett, Jessica Geyer, Quinn Cochran, Arlo Amster, Ysa Seltzer, Liliana Griffee, Sabrina Griffee, Kaz Stronge, Bailey McKenzie, Blakely Massey, Alexandra Moran and Mellany Zahn.

The design team from last year is returning with Herber herself designing costumes, Paul Shillinger designing lights, Steve Younkins designing sound, and Joanne Foltz returning as scenic designer and sharing duties with the only new member of the team, Cecelia Lee.

Performances will be August 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets for "Piper" are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. They can be purchased at 301-694-4744, marylandensemble.org, in person at Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office or beginning one hour prior to each performances at JBK Theater. This show is intended for middle school age kids, teens and adults but may not be appropriate for small children.

Photo Credit: Joann Lee

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