Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents BE MORE CHILL

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is proud to present Be More Chill. Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about "The Squip" - a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular guy in school worth the risk? Be More Chill provides a hilariously cynical view of high school life that older teens and adults are sure to enjoy.

Based on the book by Ned Vizzini, this musical is a modern take on the traditional coming-of-age format, and it isn't afraid to break new ground. The show gained popularity on the internet after the release of the cast recording, inspiring fan creations such as original artwork and animations. Even now, it remains one of the most buzzed-about productions on social media. Choreographer Lena Janes herself joined in on the hype. "The choreography of BMC was so fun to create because each piece of music is immensely unique in style. It can go from upbeat rock to robotic hip-hop in one number. I think audiences are going to love this story because it is so human. It's about friendship, adolescence, sexuality, character, and being your own hero."

The Be More Chill crew includes: Caitlyn Joy (Director), Lena Janes (Choreographer), Brielle Jobe (Stage Manager), Brooke Donald (Assistant Stage Manager), Jonas Dawson (Music Director), Doug Grove (Production Manager), Cody Gilliam (Costume Design), Chance Bender (Lighting Design), and Lauren Johnson (Sound Design).

The cast includes: Andrew Zabetakis as Jeremy Heere, Jordan Champe as Michael Mell, Mia Ehrlich as Christine Canigula, Randy Stull as The S.Q.U.I.P, James (JD) Sivert as All Adults, Owen Raynor as Jake Dillinger, Maxwell Lamb as Rich Goranski, Kaitlin McCallion as Jenna Rolan, Tara Kitchelt as Chloe, Barbara Stultz as Brooke, Tommy Truitt and Samantha Fox as Dance Captains and featured dancers, and Morgan Southwell and Beau Scott as featured dancers.

Be More Chill opens on Thursday, June 28th and runs until Sunday, July 8th every Thursday through Saturday performances at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15. Tickets may be purchased by phone at (301) 694-4744, online at marylandensemble.org or in person at the MET box office. Come celebrate the pains of growing up with this catchy and hilarious musical.

RATING: Mature Audiences, Suggested for Ages 14+

Be More Chill the novel was written in 2004 by Ned Vizzini and released to great critical reception. The book was adapted for stage, and after a quiet month-long run in 2015, it gained a massive cult following online. It remains one of the most popular musicals among teens today.

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Caitlyn Joy
Musical Director: Jonas Dawson
Choreographer: Lena Janes
Stage Manager: Brielle Jobe
Assistant Stage Manager: Brooke Donald
Production Manager: Doug Grove
Costume Design: Cody Gilliam
Lighting Design: Chance Bender
Sound Design: Lauren Johnson

CAST
Jeremy Heere: Andrew Zabetakis
Michael Mell: Jordan Champe
Christine Canigula: Mia Ehrlich
The S.Q.U.I.P: Randy Stull
All Adults: James (JD) Sivert
Jake Dillinger: Owen Raynor
Rich Goranski: Maxwell Lamb
Jenna Rolan: Kaitlin McCallion
Chloe: Tara Kitchelt
Brooke: Barbara Stultz
Dance Captain: Samantha Fox
Dance Captain: Tommy Truitt
Dancer: Beau Scott
Dancer: Morgan Southwell

MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE MISSION: Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is dedicated to the creation and production of extraordinary theatre art through the combined voices of a diverse ensemble of professional resident artists who are influential leaders in the community and visionaries in the art of theatre.

To learn more about MET, visit www.marylandensembletheater.org.

Photo Credit: Lena Janes

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