Local News: The Ensemble Theatre Celebrates Season with Gala

Posted by: Staffon 2006/8/8 7:05:21 2610 reads The Encore Of Excellence - 30 Years Strong & Growing
Gala, plus season announcement

August 2006


Having reached yet another milestone of 30 years of service to the Houston theatre community, The Ensemble Theatre will celebrate an "Encore of Excellence - 30 Years Strong & Growing" in commemoration of its 30 years of service to the Houston community as it launches its 2006-2007 production season...


The 30th year celebration will be held August 25th-27th, 2006 and promises to be even more spectacular as the Ensemble honors members of the theatre and community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in enhancing the theatre and fine arts.

The Ensemble is proud to announce famed star of CBS's "Young & the Restless," Victoria Rowell, as the "Actor of the Year Award" honoree; native Houstonian and Broadway star DeQuina Moore as the "Rising Star Award" honoree; and Shell Oil Company will receive the Corporate Partner Award for its continued financial support and dedicated community service.

The Ensemble is pleased to also announce this year's distinguished Co-Chairs for the Gala Weekend Celebration including Rick & Beth Schnieders as the Black Tie Gala Co-Chairs; Dinner Co-Chairs are Lora and Dr. John Clemmons, Jr.; Honorary Chairs are Kathleen & Paul Anderson along with Anita and Gerald Smith. The Annual Gala serves as the theatre's major fundraiser which supports its annual$1.5 million operating budget.

The "2006 Gala Weekend" will begin with an "Underwriter's Reception" hosted by the Honorary Dinner Co-Chairs on Monday, August 21st at 6:00 p.m. at Tony's Restaurant. The Black Tie Gala will be held on Friday, August 25th at the Hilton Americas Hotel, the "Subscriber's Kickoff Party-A Salute to the 70's" will be held on Saturday, August 26th at The Ensemble and wrappingup the weekend on Sunday, August 27th at The Ensemble from 1:30-4:00 p.m., the Family Day Party will be held at The Ensemble where a glimpse of the new 2006-2007 season (see attached season line-up) will be performed by way of vignettes. This special event will allow guests to subscribe for the new season at special rates, partake of a delicious smorgasbord of foods and be entertained with a wealth of talent.

Distinguished entertainment for the Black Tie Gala on Friday evening will be Yvonne Washington; on Saturday evening, "Punkin from Pluto" and Andre'James.

2006-2007 SEASON LINE-UP

"Get Ready"
Joe Plummer
9/23/06-10/22/06

"Christmas is Comin' Uptown"
Phillip Rose & Peter Udell
11/18/06-12/31/06

"Waiting to be Invited"
S. M. Shephard-Massat
1/27/07-2/25/07

"Joe Turner's Come and Gone"
August Wilson
3/10/07-4/8/07

"A Raisin in the Sun"
Lorraine Hansberry
4/28/07-5/27/07

"One Monkey Don't Stop No Show"
Don Evans
6/16/07-7/15/07

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.

Click Here to Visit Ensemble Theatre's Site!

Houston Theater News, audition notices, and performing arts events brought to you by Houston's Theatreport.