THEATRE + COMEDY

The Ensemble Theatre presents The Wiz, June 20 through July 19.  SHOW EXTENDED THROUGH JULY 26!   New Extension Dates: August 20 – August 30, 2009.

Book by William F. Brown,
Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls

Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris,
Musical Direction by Carlton Leake
Musical • General Audiences

Welcome to the magical wonderland of Oz where adventure is infused with a musical mixture of Rock, Gospel, and Soul music.

Come join Dorothy and her amazing friends — the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the cowardly Lion — as they ease on down the yellow brick road.

All of them looking, reaching and searching with all of their hearts for a place called “home.”

1975 Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Musical Score.

Production Run: Jun. 20 – Jul. 19, 2009
Preview Dates: Jun. 20, 21 & 24
Opening Night: Jun. 25
Student Matinees: Jul. 1, 8 & 15

Schedule update:
The Ensemble responds to public demand by extending its presentation of the Tony Award winning musical The Wiz August 20-August 30, 2009.

“We are humbled by the community’s response to The Wiz and delighted to continue to create theatrical art” says Eileen J. Morris, The Ensemble Artistic Director. “This has been a very emotional experience for all of us with the loss of Michael Jackson, who we also remember as Scarecrow in the film adaptation.”

Theatre patrons have rushed to purchase tickets to The Ensemble’s season finale since early this year. The Wiz sold out well in advance of its Opening Night performance on June 25. It was originally scheduled to end July 19, but the demand for tickets was so high the theatre added an additional week of performances through July 26. It took a little over a day and a half before the show was sold out again.

Now, The Ensemble has added two weeks of performances at the end of August. The extended dates will follow its 2009 Gala weekend activities that include two performances of The Wiz at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

“We believe in celebrating the arts, so The Ensemble Theatre has dedicated its entire run and extension dates of The Wiz in memory of the legacy of phenomenal artist and creative genius, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop,” says Morris. Choreographer/ Director Patdro Harris and Musical Director Carlton Leake have become a regular pairing for The Ensemble’s musical productions. They enhance the synergy among the theatre’s artists and supporters.

“It takes a lot of work to make such a large production run smoothly,” says Harris. “We were blessed to witness the community’s ownership and passion for The Ensemble Theatre. Volunteers have come from everywhere to assist behind the scenes from sewing and cleaning costumes to dropping off cases of bottled water for the cast during rehearsals. It’s just amazing.”

Extension Dates: August 20 – August 30, 2009 Performances: Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.; Fridays: 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 2:00p.m. and 8:00p.m.; and Sundays: 3:00p.m. Seating is limited. Call for availability: (713) 520-0055 or visit: www.ensemblehouston.com

Pictured: Louis Mailou Jones, Textile Design c.1928, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.