2017-2018 SEASON Subscribe online at EnsembleHouston.com 3535 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 Box Office 713.520.0055 Fax 713.520.1269
April 2017 Dear Ensemble Family Member: 3535 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002 713. 520.0055 Phone www.ensemblehouston.com FOUNDER The Late George W. Hawkins IN MEMORIAM 1932-2015 Audrey Lawson, President Emeritus BOARD OFFICERS Argentina M. James, Chair Alaina Benford, Board President Vernon Landers, VP of Operations Muriel Funches, VP of Programs Tony Black, Interim Treasurer M. Kaye DeWalt, General Counsel Rev. DeFarris Gooden, Chaplain Board Directors James Campbell Cindy Clifford Ken Cowan Diedra Booker Fontaine Audrey Gilbreath Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Marian Harper Simone Haygood Micheal Helm Winell Herron Castel Hibbert Lynda House McPeters Ronald Julun A. Renee Logans Sharon McCarter Scott Minnix Sharon Murphy Alice Otchere James Prince John Rolfe LaShica Salter-Velazquez Delores Smith Jesse Tyson Paul-David Van Atta Laurie Vignaud Board Trustees D Artagnan Bebel Dr. Mildred Ball Bright Lora Clemmons The Honorable Garnet Coleman Percy Creuzot III The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Dr. Teddy McDavid Patricia Allen McGill Carl McGowan Brenda Peters-Chase Vernon Rush Dr. Wonda Mott Russell Nicole West ADMINISTRATION Janette L. Cosley, Exec. Director Eileen J. Morris, Artistic Director Thank you for investing your time and resources in The Ensemble Theatre as a vibrant part of Houston s cultural capital. You play an integral part not only in sustaining its operations, but to the growth and expansion of the theatre s presence in the community. You are invited to join us as a season ticket member for our 2017-2018 season of programing because you help create the foundation of community support we continue to build upon. You matter to us, and we know The Ensemble Theatre matters to you. We appreciate you for your commitment to growing with us. As a result of steadfast growth, The Ensemble Theatre is acknowledged as the cornerstone performing arts institution in the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. You are part of what makes The Ensemble Theatre special, whether you invest because you recognize the theatre s unique value to Houston and it s dedication to telling African American stories like few to none in this region; for the opportunity to peer through the window of new perspectives; or because of your keen understanding of the value of jobs and contribution to the local economy that Houston s thriving cultural arts community creates. Each of you as members, patrons, donors, and sponsors make a collective investment in our programming. Your support and desire to introduce your family and friends to The Ensemble Theatre is exemplary of how your cooperative spirit to invest in our theatre has helped it grow into a first class institution with national acclaim. We strive to continue transforming your investments into meaningful experiences for audiences today and generations to come. We appreciate your commitment to The Ensemble Theatre each season, and we look forward to your continued support; where the E is for everyone and every one counts. Sincerely, Janette L. Cosley Executive Director jcosley@ensemblehouston.com www.ensemblehouston.com
The Ensemble Theatre 2017-2018 Season Synopses We re in existence to do good plays, with universal appeal. George Hawkins 1983 Sassy Mamas (Back By Popular Demand) PG-13/ Romantic Comedy/ Some Adult Situations By Celeste Bedford Walker Directed by Eileen J. Morris Previews: September 16, 17, and 20 Opening Night: September 21, 2017 Runs: September 21 October 15, 2017 NAACP Image Award-winning playwright Celeste Bedford Walker brings a delicate touch to her depiction of women of a certain age in her romantic comedy, Sassy Mamas. A story about three women yes, cougars who confidently pursue younger men. These three friends, women of substance and life achievement, each finding herself in a uniquely single situation and decidedly takes a proactive approach to love. The younger men they ve set their sights on come with their own unique situations that only add to the humor and antics! Soulful Sounds of Christmas Regional Premiere G/ Musical Previews: November 11, 12, and 15 Opening Night: November 16, 2017 Runs: November 16 December 30, 2017 By: Greg Williams Jr. Directed by Patdro Harris Musical Direction by Chika Ma atunde This year s production is centered on two sisters, Ella Mae and Mattie, who win a trip to Disney World during a bingo game on Christmas Eve. On their way to the airport, they see a family getting kicked out of their house and Ella Mae, known as the do-gooder, cancels her Christmas vacation with her sister to save a family in need. The two sisters and their sly brother, Gilbert, are thrown into a Christmas miracle adventure that gets the entire neighborhood in the spirit of the season. Fetch Clay, Make Man Regional Premiere PG-13/Drama Previews: January 20, 21, and 24 Opening Night: January 25, 2018 Runs: January 25 February 25, 2018 By Will Power Directed by TBD Set on the eve of the Cassius Clay Sonny Liston rematch and based on the friendship between the actor Stepin Fetchit and Clay soon to become Muhammad Ali Fetch Clay, Make Man explores how each handled a life in the public eye as black men in their respective eras Hollywood in the 20s, where a black actor s career depended on playing caricatures, and the mid-60s, after the assassination of Malcolm X. With incisive characterizations, crackling dialogue and generous doses of dark humor (Hollywood Reporter), Fetch Clay, Make Man audaciously recreates this improbably friendship and, through the relationship, digs to the heart of race relations during the highly charged days of 1960s America.
The Ensemble Theatre 2017-2018 Season Synopses We re in existence to do good plays, with universal appeal. George Hawkins 1983 Eighth Day of the Week PG/ Drama/ Comedy By Prester Pickett Directed by Eileen J. Morris Previews: March 17, 18, 21 Opening Night: March 22, 2018 Runs: March 22 April 15, 2018 A play exploring the struggles and triumphs of the members of an African American family as they learn to deal with their mother's memory loss. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom World Premiere PG-13/ Drama Previews: May 5, 6, 9 Opening Night: May 10, 2018 Runs: May 10 June 3, 2018 By August Wilson Directed by Eileen J. Morris Legendary blues singer, Ma Rainey and her band players convene in a Chicago studio to record a new album. As their conversation unfolds, their bantering, storytelling and arguing raise questions of race, art and the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers. Sistas: The Musical Regional Premiere PG/ Musical Previews: June 23, 24, 27 Opening Night: June 28, 2018 Runs: June 28 July 29, 2018 By Dorothy Marcic Musical Arrangement by Vince dimura Director & Choreographer Patdro Harris SISTAS uses popular music sung by African-American women from 1919 through the present time, in order to show social change for Black women and society in general. The story features five women: (four Black, one white) coming together in an attic after Grandma dies, to go over all her things. They must choose one song to sing at the Memorial that night, and while sifting through memories and confronting one another, songs are introduced going back to the time of the Black Blues singers all the way up to modern hip-hop. The music's trajectory is revealed to go from "Naming the Pain" (A Good Man is Hard to Find) to "Framing the Problem" (I am Not My Hair), to "Proclaiming the Joy" (Just Fine and Golden). This parallels the story of African-American women and their emerging sense of empowerment.
2017-2018 Membership Package Benefits (713) 520-0055 www.ensemblehouston.com All Members Become Part of The Ensemble Theatre s History MEMBER NAMES ARE LISTED IN THE SEASON PLAYBILL! PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP Package for $1,025 (Value up to $1,260) (Only 50 Packages Available) 1. Two (2) tickets with Opening Night production and VIP reception option or for any performance during the run of each show 2. Two (2) bonus tickets - excludes Opening Night performances 3. Flexibility of selecting your own dates and reservation changes based on availability 4. Two (2) tickets to the Annual Black Tie Gala, August 19, 2017 (Valued at $600) 5. Free valet parking during Opening Night performances 6. 10% Discount on additional regular price tickets purchased for performances GOLD MEMBERSHIP Package for $260 (Value up to $330) (Only 200 Packages Available) 1. One (1) ticket with Opening Night production and VIP reception option or for any performance during the run of each show 2. One (1) bonus ticket - excludes Opening Night performances 3. Flexibility of selecting your own dates and reservations changes based on availability 4. Free valet parking during Opening Night performances 5. 10% discount on additional regular price tickets purchased for performances SILVER MEMBERSHIP Package for $185 (Value up to $276) 1. One (1) ticket to each of the six (6) mainstage productions for any performance during the run of each show excludes Opening Night 2. One (1) bonus ticket - excludes Opening Night performances 3. Flexibility of selecting your own dates and reservation changes based on availability 4. 10% discount on additional regular price tickets purchased for performances ACT ONE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP Package for $155 (Value up to $232) 1. One (1) ticket per show to each of the six (6) mainstage productions may be used on Act One scheduled dates or anytime during the run of each show excludes Opening Night performances 2. Invitation to all Act One scheduled pre-show mixers and social networking events 3. Your tickets will automatically be reserved for the Young Professional s calendar a. The Act One calendar of events will be mailed to you upon purchase of your membership SENIOR/STUDENT MEMBERSHIP Package for $128 (Value up to $184) Only Senior Citizens 55+years of age and students are entitled to this package. Must show valid identification. 1. One (1) ticket to each of the six (6) mainstage productions excludes Opening Night performances 2. Flexibility of selecting your own dates and reservation changes based on availability 3. Tickets are only be reserved during the first two weeks of the show run, including preview dates. TRIPLE PLAY MEMBERSHIP Package for $103 (Value up to $132) 1. Three (3) tickets to the main stage productions excludes Opening Night performances 2. All three (3) tickets may be used for one play or one ticket used for three (3) different shows. 3. Flexibility of selecting your own dates and reservation changes based on availability 4. Tickets are only reserved during the first two weeks of the show run, including preview dates. Additional Benefits for All Subscribers: Invitations to other select theatre sponsored special events including our annual Heart of the Theatre appreciation event 10% Discount on an entrée at The Breakfast Klub and the Reggae Hut with your Member Ticket Stub Loyalty discounts when you renew your membership from the previous season E-newsletter promotions and notices
Live It! Love It! Celebrate Theatre! 2017-2018 Season George W. Hawkins Mainstage Performances We re in existence to do good plays, with universal appeal. George Hawkins 1983 ( ) Sassy Mamas P-13/Comedy/Some Adult Situations ( ) Soulful Sounds of Christmas G/Musical ( ) Fetch Clay, Make Man PG/Drama ( ) Eighth Day of the Week PG/Drama-Comedy ( ) Ma Rainey s Black Bottom PG-13/Drama ( ) Sistas: The Musical PG/Musical (Circle One) Mr. /Mrs. /Ms./ Dr./ Rev. Name(s): Mailing Address: City: State: Zip Code: Organization or Place of Employment: Phone: 2 ND Phone: EmaiI: Home Cell Office Home Cell Office Please check one MEMBERSHIP PRICE STRUCTURE and EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS I m a New Member Loyalty Discount for Renewing Members Expires: May 31, 2017 I m a Returning Member Regular Early Bird Only Available: May 1 -June 30, 2017 # of Packages Sub Total Membership Category Full Price Platinum (Limited to 50) $ 1,025 $910 $960 $ Gold (Limited to 200) $ 260 $234 $247 $ Silver $ 185 $166 $175 $ Act One (Young Professionals) $ 155 $132 $147 $ Senior/Student (55+, Valid ID) $ 128 $100 $115 $ Triple Play $ 103 $ Sub Total: $ I would like to make a tax deductible donation with my membership: ( ) $50 ( ) $150 ( ) $190 ( ) $250 ( ) $500 ( ) Other The Ensemble Theatre 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 www.ensemblehouston.com Payment Type: (Circle) CASH CHECK CHARGE Cards Accepted: (Circle) Amex /Visa /MC / Discover Acct. #: - - $ Grand Total: $ Box Office: 713-520-0055 Exp. Date: / Verification Code: Fax: 713-520-1269 Signature: Volunteers participating as Membership Team Captains compete for awards and prizes while helping The Ensemble Theatre increase its growing community of season ticket members. Please give us the name of the Team Captain who referred you so they may receive credit. Team Captain Name: