HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ensemble Theatre is pleased to announce the sequel to last year's popular holiday sensation and off-Broadway hit. "A Pure Gospel Xmas Coming Home" is festive musical entertainment just in time for the holidays and is produced and arranged by guest directors Leslie Dockery and David A. Tobin.
This electric sequel to last season's production, "A Pure Gospel Xmas," features new plot twists along with new gospel, holiday songs and promises to be an even bigger crowd pleaser. In the play, a Baptist church discovers the true meaning of Christmas and gets the audience in the act of enjoying a score of gospel music and other holiday favorites. Dockery and Tobin bring back their New York sensation to Houston with a dynamic cast of favorites and newcomers headed by Tony Glover. Dockery, who directed and choreographed the production, said, "I had a new task at hand to meld these two worlds together. The show had to have rhythm. I had to go inside my soul for the answers."
Tobin, who was responsible for the musical direction responded, "Pure gospel is what so many people already know. The church, the people, the songs and spirit are things you know and I was blessed to experience growing up in a church family this labor of love poured out of me and onto paper, seemingly overnight." Audiences will get swept into the hand clapping and outpouring of joy from The Ensemble Mainstage and it is truly family entertainment.
Featured well-known actors along with newcomers in this year's production include: Anthony "Tony" Glover, Angela Watson, Sabrina Braxton, Rennette Brown, Keeona Gabriel, Jarell Keys, Ryan Lord, Melvin East, DeJamion McDowell, Kelvin Douglas, Marcus Montgomery and Shanica McKinney.
Preview dates are Saturday, November 19 at 8 p.m., Sunday, November 20 at 3 p.m., and Wednesday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Friday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m. with a media reception at 6 p.m. followed by the performance at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. "A Pure Gospel Xmas Coming Home" is generously supported by HEB, BP and the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County (CACHH).
"A Pure Gospel Xmas Coming Home", is rated (G) for general audiences.
"A PURE GOSPEL XMAS COMING HOME"
Conceived & Directed by Leslie Dockery & David A. Tobin
November 25-December 31, 2005
Performance Times
Previews: Saturday, Nov. 19 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 23 7 p.m.
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 8 p.m.
Saturdays 2 p.m. Matinee & 8 p.m.
Sundays 3 p.m. Matinee
For ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055.
Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre has evolved to be the largest African-American professional theatre company in the U.S. that produces in-house and owns its own facility. It is truly one of Houston's finest historical cultural institutions. The theatre is a non-profit organization that houses three stages located on Main Street in the heart of Midtown. Each year the theatre presents a repertoire of critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of more than 250 professional local, regional and national artists and support staff. The theatre also has an educational touring program and a summer young performers training program. The Ensemble celebrated when the theatre accomplished two major milestones: the retirement of its $360,000 debt remaining from its $4.5 million capital campaign, and the dedication of a METRO commuter rail stop named in the theatre's honor. For more information, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com.