HOUSTON, June 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ensemble Theatre begins its summer entertainment lineup with its 2006 Black Music Month Summer Musical, "Sparkle," which is adapted from the popular film classic by Joel Schumacher and music by Curtis Mayfield. This wonderful musical is directed by Ron Himes, founder and director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre; it is adapted by Ntozake Shange and Walter Dallas. "Sparkle," with the award winning score popularized by Aretha Franklin, is the story of two sisters who pursue a path to music stardom -- one whose life ends tragically through a dalliance with drugs, and the other who wins fame and true love.
Featured veteran actors along with newcomers in this production include: Don Dautrive, Keeona Gabriel, Alex C. Gardner, Troy Hogan, Andrew Jackson, Broderick Jones, Rochelle L. Living, Nkrumah Gatling, Syreeta Green-Avent, G. Allen Mack, Ane Mouton, Michelle Payne, Constance Washington, Tracey E. Wheat, Beverly Williams and "Teacake."
Preview dates are Saturday, June 10th @ 8:00 pm; Sunday, June 11th @ 3:00 pm; and Wednesday, June 14th at 7:30 pm. Opening Night is Thursday, June 15th 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. "Sparkle" is generously supported by Continental Airlines, CenterPoint Energy and Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts.
"Sparkle" the Musical" is rated PG 13.
"SPARKLE"
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Directed by Ron Himes
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June 15-July 9, 2006
Performance Times
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Previews: Saturday, June 10th 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 11th 3:00 pm
Wednesday, June 14th 7:30 pm
Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm 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