Maryland Ensemble Theatre's RETRO PROM Returns Today

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) annual Retro Prom is returning for the ninth straight year. The Frederick non-profit theatre company will look to build on changes to the event last year that proved successful and sparked new enthusiasm for the annual fundraiser. A big part of that excitement is due to the catering by a collection of some of Frederick's favorite eateries, a new master of ceremonies coming from LA just for the event, and the VIP table options. The Prom which will feature the musical stylings of The Spin Doctor, dancing, door prizes, a silent auction, prom photos, a cash bar and a late night pizza party will be held tonight, March 9th from 7:00-11:30pm at the Talley Recreation Center (121 N. Bentz St. Frederick).

The local restaurants providing appetizers and desserts including Mistero's, Canal Bar & Grill, The Wine Kitchen, Isabellas, Griff's Landing, The Greene Turtle, The Cellar Door and The Perfect Truffle. Finally the evening will conclude with a late night pizza delivery.

Maryland Ensemble Theatre is thrilled to announce Retro Prom's new Master of Ceremonies, Todd Valcourt. Like last year's host Sam Pancake, Todd is a show biz vet who currently lives and works in LA. Todd pays the bills as a director, actor, acting coach and a dialogue coach and is currently working one on one with Charlie Sheen on Anger Management, "the show, not his real life", Valcourt clarifies. Todd, also like last year's host, has old ties to MET's Artistic Director, Tad Janes. Valcourt recalls, "I was living in Chicago working with the Second City Company when I was introduced to Tad. We became fast friends and began performing together doing live sketch shows which included a live multimedia sitcom called House Of Disarray. As a musician we would play together, as well." Valcourt may live in LA now but he is no stranger to Frederick having played in Frederick's First Night Celebration on New Year's Eve in 2000 and once even joining MET's own Comedy Pigs on stage for some improv. Todd knows a thing or two when it comes to proms, "As far as proms go, I went to a few... too many actually, eleven in fact. It wasn't so much that I was popular but more like I really wanted to see how many I could go to. In Rhode Island towns are small and close so I was friends with people from many towns. I took it as a challenge to get to as many proms in as many cities as I could. Really had no good reason...just seemed right at the time."

With the success of the new twists added last year to improve Retro Prom the MET is thrilled continue some of the elements that have worked for the past eight years. The Spin Doctor, Prom's resident DJ is returning to provide the music for the evening that keeps everyone dancing all night long., There will be door prizes, a cash bar and a silent auction featuring items small and large including signed memorabilia from Eric Clapton, the cast of Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" and professional sports stars. There will also be vacation getaways as well whether you're looking to head to the beach or to a four star hotel in New York to take in a Broadway show. As always Prom attire from any decade is encouraged but not required.

Tickets or tables may be purchased online at marylandensemble.org, by phone at (301) 694-4744 or in person at the MET box office. All tickets are $40 at the door or two tickets can be purchased in advance for $70. Tables for four to eight people ($200-$400) are also available to be reserved in advance and include a sign with the party's name and a bottle of champagne on ice. There will also be standing high-top tables and limited non-table seating for those just purchasing individual tickets.

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