Maryland Ensemble Theatre to Present THE CAT IN THE HAT, Begin. 9/26

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is proud to present the beloved childhood story, Dr. Seuss's the Cat in the Hat. Adapted by Katie Mitchell, and directed by Fun Company Artistic Director, Julie Herber, the play, which is best suited for ages three and up, will run at MET for five weeks beginning September 26.

Two children, Sally and her brother, have nothing to do on a dull and rainy day when a black cat with a funny hat appears at their front door and turns their ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. We all remember him, that irrepressibly clever persona dressed in a tall red and white striped hat, white gloves, and let's not forget, that mischievous smile. The MET production of this childhood classic will have everyone wishing that the Cat in the Hat would knock on our door and remind us what "fun" is.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, best known by his pen name Dr. Seuss, published the renowned children's book The Cat in the Hat in 1957. The famous feline, Cat, was inspired by Seuss's experience with an elevator operator named Annie whose appearance appealed to Seuss's love for creativity and need for a main character. The woman with the sly smile wearing white gloves was transformed into an unforgettable emblem for kids around the globe. The Cat in the Hat is still adored decades later, having sold over 11 million copies and been adapted for both television and film. The theatrical adaptation the MET will be presenting premiered at the National Theatre of Great Britain in 2009 and was proclaimed "a triumph" by the London Times.

"I think our audiences are going to be so excited to see this wonderful stage adaptation of the Dr. Seuss favorite," said MET Director Julie Herber. Audiences can expect to discover the world they've always imagined as this classic story unfolds before their eyes. "It literally lifts the story from page to stage and is filled with crazy, zany sound effects and movement. The story is such a light-hearted and loveable one, and you can't get better than the visuals that are onstage with this one!"

Herber will direct a talented cast of Daniel Valentine-Morales, Caitlyn Joy and Tim Seltzer. The set will be constructed by Matt Vance, with costumes by Stephanie Hyder, sound design from Cal Holderbaum and lighting design by Doug Grove. Dr. Seuss's the Cat in the Hat will run every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30pm from September 26 to October 25 at MET, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, MD.

The Fun Company is proud to provide a fun and educational theater experience for children. All performances will take place in Stage 2: The Greene Space at MET, which provides the Fun Company its own family-friendly venue that includes mats for kids to sit on while watching the show. When seeing a Fun Company show at MET kids can enjoy activities such as face painting before the show and meeting the cast after the show. Tickets are $12 (plus a $2 service fee) or just $50 for a Fun Company Season Subscription. The Fun Company also offers group rates and birthday party packages. For more visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

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