THEATRE + COMEDY

The Ensemble Theatre presents Blues in the Night, by Sheldon Epps. Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris; Musical Direction by Carton Leake.  PG/ Musical/Adult Language on the George Hawkins Mainstage.  Running June 18 – July 24, 2011; Opening Night Media Reception June 23, 2011.

These twenty-six sweet, sexy and sorrowful Blues songs tell the story of three women's relationships with one snake of a guy. The interweaving stories are defined through music alone - and what legendary music to be heard! Ranging from Bessie Smith through Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more, the evening's music is raunchily forthright, infectiously good-humoured and always classically blues.

Songs include "When A Woman Loves A Man," "Wasted Life Blues," "Lover Man," "Wild Women Don't Have The Blues," and the gripping, compelling title song that spotlight the essence of blues music.

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. The theatre is known as the only professional theatre in its region dedicated to the production of works portraying the African-American experience. In addition to being the oldest and largest professional African-American theatre in the Southwest, it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's largest African-American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team. 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 produces a main stage season of contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Performing Arts Education program provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences and live performances for students both off-site and at the theatre. Through its varied programs, The Ensemble Theatre benefits an audience and artistic constituency of approximately 65,000 people annually.

A collaborative relationship with the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH), as well as, artists John Biggers, Ted Ellis, and Charles Washington has allowed The Ensemble Theatre to expose audiences to some of Houston’s visual arts within the season brochure.

“An extension of visual artistic expression will be spotlighted in our season brochure with images we feel embody the essence of each production,” says Morris. “I appreciate having the opportunity to work with other artists and arts organizations to provide unique experiences for our patrons and subscribers.”

Pictured:  Ted Ellis, detail I'm Feeling the Music to my Bones, T. Ellis Fine Art.