HOUSTON, March 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Fresh from an 'Off Broadway' run, The Ensemble Theatre is most proud to announce the comedy-drama focusing on relationships, "Waitin 2 End Hell: Reflections on a Modern Marriage". The complex dilemma as to why 50% of today's marriages are ending in divorce is addressed in this play, which was written by William A. Parker who will be in Houston for the opening through Sunday, March 12th.
This timely yet humorous story is based on one man's struggle to define his role as a husband and father in a contemporary, middle class family. After twelve years of marriage and two children, his wife has lost that loving feeling and finds it virtually impossible to go on. Both are faced with difficult choices.
The multi-talented director, Shirley Marks Whitmore, is an actress/writer/director and an avid genealogical researcher who has worked as an artist in the Houston area for many years. She has received critical recognition for her performances in many Ensemble Theatre productions, including: "Day Trips", "Before It Hits Home", "The River Niger", "Distant Voices" and many others. She has also directed the works of Houston playwrights Celeste Bedford Walker, Thomas Meloncon and Larry Hunter. Whitmore observes that, "Waitin' 2 End Hell offers a dramatic, brutal and humorous 'look' at a group of African American friends, struggling to 'maintain' in a world where traditional values and contemporary realities are in conflict. The play is centered around Dante, a hard working man's man, and Diane, his well paid, beautiful and increasingly independent wife. Dante and his male friends long for a simpler time when men ruled the roost and world, and women sang happily in the background. Their biting, insightful and downright humorous banter provides color, warmth and insight, as they examine the age-old battle of the sexes and survival."
Preview dates are Saturday, March 4th @ 8:00 pm; Sunday, March 5th @ 3:00 pm, and Wednesday, March 8th at 7:30 pm. Opening Night is Thursday, March 9th at 7:30 pm with a Media Reception at 6:00 pm, followed by the performance at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. On Friday, March 10th, a "Talk Back" with playwright William A. Parker will be held following the evening performance and is open to the public. "Waitin 2 End Hell" is generously supported through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County (CACHH).
Cast members include Rachel Hemphill Dickson, Hanh My Tran, Tracey E. Wheat, Davi Jay, Don Kirk Dautrive, Alex Gardner and Henry Edwards.
"WAITIN 2 END HELL: REFLECTIONS ON A MODERN MARRIAGE"
Written by William A. Parker; Directed by Shirley Marks Whitmore
March 9, -- April 2, 2006
Performance Times
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Previews: Saturday March 4th 8:00 pm
Sunday March 5th 3:00 pm
Wednesday March 8th 7:30 pm
Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm Matinee
Other promotional events include: Wednesday, March 8th @ 7:30 pm, "Pay What You Wish Night" where patrons can pay what they'd like with a minimum donation of $5.00; Saturday, March 11th @ 11:00 a.m., an Artists' Summit with playwright William A. Parker and other local theatre artists discussing Parker's career, background and writing process; Thursday, March 16th, a "Young Professionals Reception" @ 6:00 pm prior to the performance and a "Talk Back" after the performance.
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