HOUSTON, June 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ensemble Theatre is proud to announce its 29th Season, opening September 18, 2004. "The season kicks off within weeks of our black tie gala in August, an evening of 'ball gowns', theatrical tributes, and entertainment," observes Producing Artistic Director, Marsha Jackson-Randolph. "We want new and core audiences to know that the entertainment quotient will be high and thus, the entire season carries the theme, 'We're Having A Ball Telling Our Story!' Highlights of the season include four acclaimed plays presented Off-Broadway this season. In addition to the encore presentation of 'Crowns' (extended twice during its successful Ensemble run), these hits straight from New York include 'The Story', 'A Pure Gospel Christmas', and 'From My Hometown.'" Jackson-Randolph adds, "Three of these new works originated at other non-profit theatres across the country, before opening in New York. True to form, The Ensemble continues a tradition of showcasing some of the best work in the country."
The 2004-2005 Mainstage Season of six productions promises to take its audiences on an exhilarating theatrical ride mixing contemporary comedy, an August Wilson classic, provocative drama echoing today's headlines, and three musicals heralding gospel and R & B. "We're having a ball telling our story. We want audiences to have a ball, too!"
"THAT SERIOUS HE-MAN BALL", by Alonzo D. Lamont, Jr.
Directed by Marsha Jackson-Randolph
Previews: September 18-22; Opens: Sept. 23 -- October 17, 2004
"Colorful dialogue..lively interplay...carry He-Man Ball"-
Houston Chronicle
"'He-Man Ball' takes great shots"- Houston Post
Three 'brothers' on the basketball court push the stakes beyond
'Chicks' and ball games and the boundaries of friendship, comedy,
and drama go where 'no man has gone before'.
Rating: PG 17 and adult for language and content. An Encore.
"A PURE GOSPEL CHRISTMAS",
Conceived by Leslie Dockery & David A. Tobin, Guest Directors
Previews: November 20 -- 24; Opens: Fri., Nov. 26 -Dec. 31, 2004
"Song, devotion, and cheer...casting a glow over the holiday
season." -The New York Times-
A Baptist Church seeking the 'true' meaning of Christmas gets the
audience in the act of a holiday 'crowd-pleasure' featuring a score
of gospel music and holiday favorites.
Rating: General audiences. A Houston premiere from Off-Broadway.
"TWO TRAINS RUNNING"- by August Wilson
Previews: January 29-Feb. 2; Opening: February 3-27, 2005
"(Two Trains)...a good ride, funny, painful and radiantly alive."
-Talking Broadway-
Wilson interweaves lives and hopes into a story set in the 1960's
in a small diner where trains and a cry of retribution, "I want
my ham!" foretell the rise of Civil Rights and Black Power.
Rating: PG -- 13 for some language. An Encore.
"THE STORY" by Tracey Scott Wilson
Directed by Marsha Jackson-Randolph
Previews: March 19-March 23; Opening: March 24-April 24, 2005
"Resonates in the imagination long after the drama has unfolded." --
The New Yorker-
Drama, mystery, and irony escalate in a critically acclaimed
snapshot from today's headlines, portraying an ambitious reporter
who plays the race card to advance her story and her career.
Rated: PG-13 for some language. A Houston premiere from Off-
Broadway.
"CROWNS" by Regina Taylor
Previews: April 23-27; Opening: April 28-May 29, 2005
"Crowns charms with church hat lore." -- Houston Chronicle
"Thoroughly joyous, if not downright heavenly" -- Houston Press
An Encore.
"FROM MY HOMETOWN", a musical by Lee Summers
"A marvelous trip down R & B memory lane awaits..."
-- New York Amsterdam News-
Previews: June 11-15; Opens June 16 -July 17*, 2005
Groove with three whom would-be Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and Otis
Redding, on a soulful 'rags to riches' quest from 'home' to the
Apollo, in a revue of R&B hits of the 60's to 80's.
Rating: General audiences. A Regional premiere from Off-Broadway.
We want you...to have a ball, too. Join us for the 2004-2005 Season!
For information regarding subscriber opportunities, tickets and group sales, call The Ensemble Theatre Box Office at 713-520-0055 x 306. Ride the Metro Rail to your stop for culture -- The Ensemble!
Running Times and Prices: Previews 8:00 pm Saturday; 3:00 pm Sunday; 7:30 pm Wednesday; Prices: $12 adults/$10 students/seniors 65+
Opening Night: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - $25 adults/$10 students/seniors 65+;
Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 p.m. $20 adults/$15 students/seniors 65+; Sunday 3:00 p.m. $18 adults/$10 students/seniors 65+