FREDERICK, MD.: Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) has announced its 2016-17 mainstage season, as well as the season for its Fun Company, which produces theatre for young audiences.
The mainstage season will kick off with Bad Jews (Sept. 16-Oct.9) by Joshua Harmon, directed by Gené Fouché. The comedy casts an eye on faith and family legacy through the lens of three cousins who are battling over their grandather’s chai necklace after his death.
Following will be the cult classic Rocky Horror Show (Oct. 28-Nov. 5), with music, lyrics, and book by Richard O’Brien. The show introduces audiences to the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his crew, and often includes audience participation.
Next is the comedy Family Holiday (Dec. 2-30), written by DC Cathro and directed by Fouché, which tells the story of a family reconvening for the holidays.
Following will be Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls (Feb. 10-March 5, 2017), directed by Suzanne Beal. Churchill’s play follows a successful, career-driven woman who, along with a restaurant full of history’s most famous women, considers what it means to be a woman in her world.
Next is Peter and the Starcatcher (April 14-May 7, 2017), the Tony-winning play by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. Directed by Julie Herber, it follows an apprentice starcatcher and a young orphan boy as they are charged with protecting magical “starstuff” from a group of pirates.
Closing out the season will be Fred’s Diner (May 26-June 18) by Penelope Skinner, directed by Peter Wray. The dark comedy takes place in an American-themed diner on an English motorway, where colorful characters are faced with a murder mystery.
In addition to its mainstage season, MET will also present a series of shows by its Fun Company, which produces theatre for young audiences. The shows will be Bunnicula (Sept. 24-Oct. 30), Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 2017), A Tale of Two Trolls (Feb 4-March 5, 2017), The Commedia Rapunzel (March 25-April 30, 2017), and The Magnificent Mouse Detective Agency (May 20-June 18).
Founded in 1997, Maryland Ensemble Theatre is made up of 25 actors, directors, writers, musicians, technicians, and designers who present work with an emphasis on the local and national community .
