HOUSTON, Feb. 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensemble Theatre kicks off its spring production, Broke-ology by playwright Nathan Jackson Louis; Opening Night and Media Reception, Thursday, March 21, 2013, 6:30 p.m. 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002.

Broke-ology brings poignant attention to the trials of two siblings in conflict over the care of their ailing father who has multiple sclerosis (MS). The story highlights real truths about a family coping with the seriousness of aging and illness.

"This production really touched my heart when I read it," says Ensemble Artistic Director Eileen J. Morris. "Nathan Louis Jackson has written a work that is extremely relevant, and I think so many people will identify with the characters in this play."

Elder care is a growing concern with an aging baby boomer population. Their middle aged children in some cases are divided by distance, leaving one or two siblings or other family members to bear the weight of time, expense, and emotional challenges to care for their parent or relative. Sometimes the person in care is suffering from more than the pangs of old age.

In accordance with Broke-ology – the science of being broke – the King family has learned to balance sacrifice and let love keep them together. Set in a beleaguered Kansas City neighborhood, two grown brothers try to balance the challenges of their own lives with their desire to care for their father who is stricken with multiple illnesses, including multiple sclerosis. Even as they remember simpler times, tension builds between the brothers as their conflicting interests churn into a surprising outcome. Broke-ology is a warm and wrenching play about a loving African-American family facing its troubles with humor, resiliency, and grace.

Featured cast members include: Autumn Knight, Joseph "Joe P" Palmore, L.D. Green, and Broderick "Brod J" Jones.

This production is recommended for mature audiences due to adult language and profanity.

Previews: March 16, 17, and 20   Show Runs: March 21 – April 14, 2013

Performance Days and Times: Thursdays: 7:30 p.m; Fridays: 8:00 p.m; Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m; and Sundays: 3:00 p.m.

Tickets Available Online: www.EnsembleHouston.com    For Information Call: 713-520-0055

Ticket Prices: $12 - $35

The Ensemble Theatre's 2012-2013 Season is sponsored in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. United Airlines is the exclusive airline sponsor for The Ensemble Theatre. This performance is generously supported by National Oilwell Varco.

The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. Thirty-six years later, the theatre has evolved from a touring company operating from the trunk of Mr. Hawkins' car to being one of Houston's finest historical cultural institutions. The Ensemble is one of a few 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, it holds the distinction of being one of the nation's largest African American theatres owning and operating its facility and producing in-house. Board President Emeritus Audrey Lawson led the capital campaign for The Ensemble's $4.5 million building renovations that concluded in 1997. 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 myriad audiences.