The problem is these guys are easy targets for the "cool kangaroos," the bullies. The kangaroos band together to take a stand against the bullies. The hope is that the kids in the audience will reach the same realization as the kangaroos in the play: "How to handle themselves if they find themselves in situations where they're confronted by a bully," Herber said.
Herber is also an associate artistic director at the MET. She got the idea to write a play about bullying last year when her fellow associate artistic director Gené Fouché talked about it.
The Fun Company stages kid-centric plays. Past productions include "The Snow Queen" and "Ma Lien and the Magic Paintbrush."
Because the Fun Company and the theater's ensemble productions run concurrently and use the same 100-seat black box theater setting, the crew for "No Bullies" had to create a simple, mobile backdrop that wouldn't interfere with the ensemble's production of "And the World Goes 'Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb," which premieres Friday, May 15, and runs several weekends through Saturday, June 20.
Herber said the actors -- Ashley Hall, Karli Cole, Ryan Brown, Emma Bowers and Michelle Simms -- will wear simple costumes, too. Except for the hoodies with ears, kangaroo pockets and tails, the actors will be in jeans and skirts.
"Dressed like kids," Herber said.
If you go ...
WHAT: "No Bullies Allowed," an original play presented by Maryland Ensemble Theatre's Fun Company
WHEN: Opening night, 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Continues 2 p.m. Saturdays May 16 through 30, and June 6 and 13.
WHERE: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., downtown Frederick. The Maryland Ensemble Theatre is in the basement of Francis Scott Key Hotel building.
COST: $13.50, and include a $1.50 service charge.
MORE: Tickets are available at Maryland Ensemble Theatre's Web site, www.marylandensemble.org or by calling, 301-694-4744.
