HOUSTON, Nov. 8, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- In keeping with The Ensemble Theatre's 2007-2008 Season, "Ignite the Passion: Experience The Ensemble Theatre" will ignite the holiday passion with the southwest premiere and holiday musical, "The Twelve Ways of Christmas," written by multi-talented playwright, composer, director and musician, Rev. Carlton Leake. From the world of countless experiences comes this musical wonderland of melodies using the sounds of jazz, rhythm and blues and gospel music along with a message of faith. The play allows the audience to tap into their own perspective of what the holidays offer. The Christmas stories spotlighted are one of a family, a child's Christmas, a military Christmas, the celebration of parranda (the festival Christmas), a spiritual and romantic Christmas. This holiday play enlightens different aspects of what Christmas is and can be to each of us individually.
Leake, a producer, composer, director and musician, is a native of Memphis who wrote the book to a theatrical musical as he has done others such as "When Music Was Music," "Venus of Broadway," "The Other Side of the Dream" and "Two Wars." Leake says, "In a world of myriad expressions of Christmas, it is an honor to share this artistic expression, 'The Twelve Ways of Christmas,' with the people of Texas."
The holiday musical production is choreographed by musical director Patdro Harris who is a Broadway choreographer and writer who has combined his creative skills to become one of the most innovative talents in our time. The production music is fused with jazz, contemporary and Broadway styles that make your heart sing. "Songs that speak to our fantasies, realities and faith, all wrapped in Christmas expectations ... I invite you to open your hearts and receive melodies from heaven," recommends Harris.
Featured actors in this holiday musical include: Teacake Ferguson, Keeona Gabriel, Anthony Glover, Andrew Jackson, Raena White, Scarlett Barnes and Vincent James.
Preview dates are Saturday, Nov. 17th @ 8:00 pm; Sunday, Nov. 18th @ 3:00 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 21st at 7:30 p.m. Opening Night is Friday, Nov. 23rd at 7:30 p.m. with a Reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" is generously supported by Target.
"The Twelve Ways of Christmas"
Written by Carlton Leake
November 17 - December 30, 2007
Performance Times
Previews: Saturday Nov. 17th 8:00 pm
Sunday Nov. 18th 3:00 pm
Wednesday Nov. 21st 7:30 pm
Production Run: Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm Matinee
**A free musical theatre workshop will be conducted by Carlton Leake on Wednesday, Nov. 28th from 1:30-3:00 p.m. for seniors only and on Sunday, Dec. 2nd from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and are both open to the public.
For ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055.
The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. Thirty years later, the theatre has evolved from a touring company operating from the trunk of Mr. Hawkins' car to become one of Houston's finest historical cultural institutions. The Ensemble is one of the only professional theatres in the region dedicated to the production of works portraying the African American experience, the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, and holds the distinction of being one of the nation's largest African American theatres owning and operating its facility and producing in-house. The Ensemble Theatre has fulfilled and surpassed the vision of its founder and continues to expand and create innovative programs to bring African American theatre to a myriad of audiences. The programs and operations of The Ensemble Theatre benefit a multicultural audience that is diverse in age, income, ethnicity and culture and its core audience is African American (70%). The Ensemble produces a Mainstage Season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The Ensemble's Performing Arts Education program provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences and live performances for students both off-site and at the Theatre; and the Young Performers Program offers intensive summer training for children ages 7 to 17 encompassing instruction in all disciplines of the theatre arts. Through its varied programs, The Ensemble projects to benefit an audience and artistic constituency that may potentially exceed 150,000 people annually.
The Ensemble Theatre * 3535 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002 * Phone: 713.520.0055. * Fax: 713.520.1269 * www.ensemblehouston.com