FREDERICK, MD.: Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) has announced its 2015–16 season, with a mixture of musicals, comedies and dramas, including a regional premiere and two world premieres.
“At MET, we really want to bring a diverse season of exciting works to our community, and I believe the 2015–16 season positions itself to become one of the most interesting and challenging seasons we have ever produced,” said artistic director Tad Janes in a statement.
The season begins with the regional premiere of Richard Bean’s One Man, Two Guvnors (Sept. 11–Oct. 4), a slapstick comedy adapted from Carlo Goldoni’s Servant of Two Masters, about a manservant who tries to keep his two employers, both criminals, from finding out about his dual employment. Bean will direct.
Next is the world premiere of MET’s devised Frankenstein (Oct. 23–Nov. 15), based on the book by Mary Shelley. Associate artistic director Julie Herber will direct.
Following will be The Gifts of the Magi (Dec. 4–Jan. 3, 2016), based on the short story by O. Henry, with music and lyrics by Randy Courts and lyrics by Mark St. Germain. The Christmas musical is about a young married couple unable to buy gifts for one another who learn the true meaning of Christmas. Suzanne Beal will direct.
Next will be Nina Raine’s Tribes (Feb. 12–March 6, 2016), about a young deaf man and his comically dysfunctional Jewish family. Gerard Stropnicky will direct.
Next is the world premiere of Sarah Shulman’s Oedipus Rox (April 8–May 1, 2016), with lyrics by Shulman and Thom Huenger and music by Huenger, adapted from Sophocles. Janes will direct.
The season concludes with Tracy Letts’s Superior Donuts (May 20–June 12, 2016), about two men and the unlikely friendship they form while working at a rundown donut shop in Chicago. Associate artistic director Gené Fouché will direct.
