MET to Present THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE, 4/10-5/4

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) will present Martin McDonagh's award winning play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore". The dark Irish comedy will be directed by MET's founding Artistic Director, Tad Janes. "'The Lieutenant of Inishmore' is a play that grabs you with comedy and takes you on a ride like no other play I know", said Janes. "I've always been a fan of McDonagh's plays. They are always funny, quirky, and have interesting themes and characters. When we selected plays for the season this one was a clear favorite within the Ensemble" "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" will run every Thursday through Sunday (except Easter Sunday) at Maryland Ensemble Theatre from April 10 through May 4.

"The Lieutenant of Inishmore" is set in 1993 when the Northern Ireland peace process is struggling to come together and Mad Padraic, a member of the Irish National Liberation Army, chooses to leave Belfast and return to Inishmore upon the news that his beloved cat is ill. When he returns home he learns that his cat has in fact suffered a much more tragic and immediate fate. Padraic, a man whose mentally instability is legendary, is now intent on revenge at any costs.

McDonagh is the author of recent Broadway hits such as "The Pillowman" and "A Behanding in Spokane", and has also written and directed the full length feature films "In Bruges" and "Seven Psychopaths". He won an Academy Award in 2006 for his short film, "Six Shooter". "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" was first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in London in 2001 and won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2003. The show received it's New York premiere in 2006 and that production received a Tony nomination for Best Play and McDonagh won the 2006 Obie award for playwriting. The Financial Times called it McDonagh's "blackest, funniest, most violent, most absurd play to date." The London born (to Irish parents) playwright's first six plays were two trilogies set in the west of Ireland where McDonagh spent summers as a child. "The Lieutentant of Inishmore", was part of his Aran island trilogy which also included "The Cripple of Inishmaan", produced by MET in 2008.

Tad Janes will direct a talented cast of actors in MET's production of "The Lieutenant of Inishmore". "This cast is just so 'right' for this production. They have formed such a strong connection, and the play is adored by everyone working on this show.", said Janes. The cast will feature Colin Boteler, Jack Evans, Bob Herbertson, Thom Huenger, Caitlyn Joy, Joe Jalette, Matt Lee and Jeff Keilholtz as Mad Padraic. Keilholtz previously received critical acclaim for his appearances at Maryland Ensemble in "American Buffalo" (2011) and "Dracula" (2010). Janes and his cast will be ably assisted by Assistant Director Bethany Herman and design team Eric Berninghausen (set), Devin Gaither (properties), Julie Herber (costumes), Tom Majarov (sound), Doug Grove and Tad Janes (lights). The play also presents some unique obsticles including bloodwork and cat training, "This has been one that is challenging for us to pull off technically, but hopefully will speak volumes", said Janes. The specail effects team working behind the scenes includes Jon Paul Duvall, Katie Rattigan, Brian Artusio and Doug Grove.

"The Lieutenant of Inishmore"will run every Thursday through Sunday (except Easter Sunday, April 20) from April 10 through May 4 at MET, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. Thursday, April 10 there will be preview performances at 8pm and tickets to that show are $5 (cash only at door/no reservations). The first Sunday performance will be preceded by a reception hosted by MET Board Members Jim Hochadel and Judy Rice and sponsored by Magoo's Pub & Eatery. The reception will include an update on Maryland Ensemble Theatre's ongoing Capital Campaign for a second performance venue and a tour of the new space.

Tickets to "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" are $16.50 (Thursdays) through $25.50 and can be purchased at 301.694.4744, marylandensemble.org or in person at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office. This show is made possible in part through the support of MET's season sponsors including Comcast, The Frederick Gorilla, Key 103, Eagle 106.9, Ausherman Family Foundation, Mark A Pitts Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, The Frederick News Post and both the Frederick and Maryland Arts Councils.

"The Lieutenant of Inishmore" is the fifth show in Maryland Ensemble Theatre's sixteenth Mainstage season. For more information on the MET's production of "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" or any of their other programs including their family theatre series, Fun Camps, or Ensemble School you can visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

Photo Credit: Dan Brick

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