HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensemble Theatre, the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, welcomes Emmy Award winner Charles "Roc" Dutton to Houston for the Heart of the Theatre subscription drive celebration on January 27th, at the Wortham Theater for two special performances. As the Honorary Subscription Chair, Dutton is committed to helping The Ensemble reach its 3,000 subscription goal. The first show is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and the second show begins at 8:15 p.m. The first show is already at capacity. Current subscribers and those who purchase a subscription from now until the event will be invited to attend the 8:15 p.m. performance.
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After being honored by The Ensemble Theatre last August and spending time at the theatre, Dutton committed to partnering with The Ensemble in a drive to nearly double last season's subscriber base from more than 1,600 to 3,000. Already at 1,900 subscribers, The Ensemble is on pace to meet its goal. To attend the Heart of the Theatre event, a subscription must be purchased. All subscription packages include an invitation to attend this exclusive one-night-only engagement with Dutton. Subscription packages range from $75 to $250. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is serving as the Honorary Chair of the evening's festivities.
"We're thrilled to have an actor of Dutton's caliber so dedicated to helping The Ensemble Theatre reach our subscription goal," said Eileen J. Morris, Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre. "His presence is a tremendous bonus to our subscribers. This will be a milestone in Ensemble history. We encourage Houston area residents to purchase a subscription and experience African American visual and theatre arts at its finest."
Dutton will perform an excerpt from his own story, From Jail to Yale, a narrative of his life combined with excerpts from prolific playwrights such as August Wilson, Douglas Turner Ward, John Steinbeck, Eugene O'Neil and Richard Wright.
Dutton's return to Houston is bound to garner awareness and support for the long-standing mission of The Ensemble Theatre. "As the Theatre continues its 31st season, Ignite the Passion: Experience The Ensemble Theatre, I encourage Houstonians to join me in helping to reach the 2007-2008 Ensemble subscription goal of 3,000 subscriptions," said Dutton. "The Ensemble Theatre promises to Ignite the Passion with each production."
Boasting an audience of all ages rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, The Ensemble Theatre produces a main-stage season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. This season's four remaining shows include "Gem of the Ocean", "The Sty of the Blind Pig", "Ashes to Africa", and "Ain't Misbehavin' - The Fats Waller Musical Show."
The Ensemble and Lifetime Television will also premiere an excerpt from the Lifetime Original Movie Racing for Time, directed by and starring Dutton and featuring The Ensemble Theatre's Young Performers Program graduate and Broadway actress, DeQuina Moore. The film presents the inspiring story of a male prison guard who creates an unconventional sports program for female offenders at a juvenile correctional facility.
"We are honored to have Dutton return to Houston after receiving the company's 'Director of the Year' award. His commitment to the organization is commendable," said Hasting Stewart, president of The Ensemble Theatre Board.
Tickets to the 8:15 p.m. performance by Dutton, held in the Cullen Theater at Wortham Center on Jan. 27, 2008, may be obtained by purchasing a subscription online at http://www.ensemblehouston.com/support/events_hearttheatre.html or by calling The Ensemble Box Office at 713-520-0055. Seats are limited and reservations for the special show are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Founded in 1976 by George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre has evolved into one of the largest African American professional theatre companies in the U.S. that produces in-house and owns its 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. Most recently, The Ensemble was named "Best Theater Company" in the 2007 Best of Houston edition of the Houston Press. For more information, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com.
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