HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Following a highly successful 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration last month, The Ensemble Theatre is proud to begin its 2006-2007 "Encore of Excellence" season with the captivating and enjoyable production, "Get Ready" by former talented Chicago playwright Jaye Willard Stewart; co-author Debi Stewart, widow of Jaye Stewart; and playwright/composer Joe Plummer. The play's historical context provides a personal glimpse into the lives of "doo wop" and soul groups that emerged in this country during the late 1950s and underscored the social, civil and human rights movements of the '60s and '70s. While presenting the characters' bad affairs, bad whiskey, determination and good music, the production cleverly makes familiar and clear both the challenges and triumphs of being a Black person and a Black artist in America before and during the Civil Rights Movement.
The play is skillfully directed by Clarence and Shirley Marks Whitmore, who have received critical recognition for their performances in many Ensemble Theatre productions including: "Day Trips," "Before it Hits Home," "The River Niger," "Two Trains Running," "Distant Voices," "Diary of Black Men" and many more. The Whitmores have reflected that, "Get Ready allows us to see them struggle through those issues, grow and finally reclaim their dream. It is an enjoyable performance piece that allows patrons to sing, laugh and painlessly experience a real slice of African American art and history."
Musical Director Samuel E. Jackson makes his Ensemble debut as the musical director and arranger for the production. He currently serves as a teacher and band director for Madison High School and was the creator of the famed Texas Southern University Brasswind Ensemble and has performed, conducted and arranged for many jazz and rhythm and blues greats.
Featured veteran Ensemble actors along with newcomers in this production include: David J. Broussard, Norman W. Davis, Henry Edwards, Kevin Haliburton, Andrew Jackson, Broderick Jones, Amin Moore and Beryl MacGee.
Preview dates are Saturday, Sept. 23rd at 8:00 pm; Sunday, Sept. 24th at 3:00 pm; and Wednesday, Sept. 27th at 7:30 pm. Opening Night is Thursday, Sept. 28th at 7:30 pm with a Media Reception at 6:30 pm followed by the performance at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. "Get Ready" is generously supported by the SYSCO Corporation, ARAMARK and a grant from the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County (CACHH) and is rated PG-17.
"GET READY"
Directed by Clarence & Shirley Whitmore
September 28-October 22, 2006
Performance Times
Previews: Saturday, Sept. 23rd 8:00 pm
Sunday, Sept. 24th 3:00 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 27th 7:30 pm
Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm Matinee
For ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055.
The Ensemble
Founded by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is celebrating 30 years of uninterrupted performances during its 2006-2007 season. Each year, The Ensemble presents an annual repertoire of six critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of professional local, regional and national artists and support staff. The Ensemble is one of the largest African American professional theatre companies in the U.S. that produces its plays in-house, has a comprehensive educational outreach initiative and owns its own facility. The theatre is a non-profit organization with an annual operating budget of 1.5 million. Located at 3535 Main St. in the heart of Midtown Houston, the theatre has three stages with a total seating capacity of 725. In keeping with the late founder's vision, The Ensemble also has an educational touring program and summer young performers training program. For more information or to subscribe to our season, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com or call (713) 520-0055.