HOUSTON, March 6, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- As The Ensemble Theatre continues to celebrate an "Encore of Excellence: The Ensemble Theatre 30 Years Strong and Growing" during its current season, it is honored to present the historic production of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." This extraordinary play explores the heritage and experience of African-Americans and is written by the great American Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, August Wilson.
Wilson's drama tells the story of post-slavery boardinghouse residents in Pittsburgh in 1911 who are seeking their place in the free world. One man, kidnapped and enslaved for seven years, searches for his wife while accompanied by his young daughter, his only link to his past identity. It truly embraces an innocent, new, yearning and mature love and gives a haunting voice to the souls and stories of our ancestors.
The production is directed by The Ensemble's own Artistic Director, Eileen J. Morris, who performed in the production during her earlier career. Morris says, "The untimely death of August Wilson in 2005 robbed the American theatre of a great giant, a monumental artist and a dedicated African-American. Mr. Wilson has been distinguished as being a writer of his generation who transformed the contemporary theater with a unique blend of poetry, music, storytelling and mysticism. This is truly evident in his writing of this play... Joe Turner has been dubbed as Mr. Wilson's favorite play."
The featured and talented artists include: Wayne DeHart, Timothy Eric Dickson, Byron Jacquet, BeBe Wilson, Rachel Dickson, Tanner Ellis, Kit Fordyce, Melita Hawkins, Broderick Jones, Danielle King, Autumn Knight, Jonathan Thibeaux and Chelcee Nicole Williams. Production crew members are: Sadiki Johnson, Choreographer; Ray Walker, Technical Director; James V. Thomas, Scenic Design; Gregory Horton, Costume Design; Kris Phelps, Lighting Design; Adrian Washington, Sound Design; and Page G. Warner, Stage Manager.
Opening Night is Thursday, March 15th with a Media Reception at 6:30 p.m. prior to curtain at 7:30 p.m. at The Ensemble Theatre, located at 3535 Main St. "Joe Turner's Come & Gone" is generously supported by Chevron Oil and a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and is rated (PG-13) for parental discretion on content.
"JOE TURNER'S COME & GONE"
Directed by Eileen Morris
March 15-April 8, 2007
Performance Times
Preview Saturday Mar 10th 8:00 p.m.
Dates: Sunday Mar 11th 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday Mar 14th 7:30 p.m.
Run Dates: Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 2:00 p.m. Matinee & 8:00 p.m.
Sundays 3:00 p.m. 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.