MET's The Fun Company to Present JUNIE B. JONES: JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre, The Fun Company is bringing back everyone's favorite first-grader this holiday season, the famously feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones. With plenty of laughs and life lessons, "Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.

Last December, "Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" became one of the best selling shows in the Fun Company's almost two decades of producing plays. Selling out all scheduled performances and additionally added shows. Fun Company Artistic Director Julie Herber will once again direct the show. "We were originally looking at doing another show in this slot but there was so much excitement for this show last year and the holidays are a time of year when people enjoy revisiting seasonal entertainment. We've been producing "A Christmas Carol" for over twenty years and it has become a holiday tradition in downtown Frederick. Who knows, maybe we're starting a new tradition. I don't know if this show could endure like Dickens' classic has but I do know it was great to see so many young people enjoying theater so much."

In "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" our heroine, Junie B. Jones, must play Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Will Junie B. give Tattletale 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".

Junie B. Jones has been entertaining children since author Barbara Park first introduced her in 1992. Dozens of books have followed and Junie B. Jones has become one of the most beloved characters in children's literature. The author, Barbara Park, won seven Children's Choice Awards, and four Parents' Choice Awards before passing away last year. She had also written many middle grade novels, such as "The Kid in the Red Jacket". The show was adapted from the book for the stage by award winning playwright Allison Gregory. The Fun Company's previous show "Go, Dog. Go!" also a successful children's book, was also adapted by Gregory along with Steven Dietz.

Herber isn't the only one returning as the whole cast from last year's production will also be back. Tori Weaver, Reiner Prochaska, Matt Lee, Thom Huenger, Katie Rattigan, Giovanni Kavota and Emily Raines as the title character, Junie B. Jones, are thrilled to revisit their roles that brought so much joy to families last year. The production won't be exactly like the previous year although as the performances will take place in the brand new Frank Greene Stage2 at MET which provides the Fun Company it's own family friendly venue that includes mats for kids to watch the show from.

Herber will be assisted by a design team that includes Doug Grove (lights), and Joann Lee (set), while Herber herself will design the costumes. All performances of "Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" are at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. The show runs every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 through December 28 at 1:30pm. Tickets are $12 (plus a $1.50 service fee), and may be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office.

Now in its nineteenth season, The Fun Company seeks to provide high quality, affordable theatre for the whole family that is both educational and entertaining by presenting a yearly Family Theatre Series, an In School Productions outreach program and Fun Camp. The Fun Company's upcoming shows include "The Little Prince" and the World Premiere of "The Little Mermaid"and the World Premiere of "A Wish Come True".

Photo Credit: Joe Williams

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