HOUSTON, Nov. 10, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensemble Theatre brings the hit holiday musical, The Twelve Ways of Christmas, back by popular demand for its second run in Houston. An overwhelming response during The Ensemble's 2007-2008 Season was the catalyst for teaming up playwright, composer, director and musician, Rev. Carlton Leake with director, choreographer Patdro Harris for another explosion of Christmas joy.
"The year we've got more energy, more love, and more joy to share from the stage," says Harris.
The Twelve Ways of Christmas is the second destination of The Ensemble Theatre's "Passport to Adventure: Embrace the Journey" 2008-2009 Season. This production highlights diversity of the human experience as it embraces the variety of shapes holiday magic takes on in everyday lives.
Each scene is a doorway to new and familiar holiday perspectives: soldiers keeping distant loved ones close to heart; romantics longing for that special someone; a spirit filled church service restoring faith to worshippers; and the innocence of children eagerly waiting to open gifts. There is also a surprise inclusion of "Parranda" the Puerto Rican version of Christmas Caroling. The pairing of Leake's original melodies with Harris' directing and choreography brings fullness to this well rounded show.
"I pray that in whatever way you receive Christmas this year, hopefully, I have been successful in giving it voice through The Twelve Ways of Christmas," says Leake.
This season's performance features a five-piece band and a few new vocalists guiding audiences to the heart of their most memorable holiday experiences through an eclectic blend of colorful jazz, R & B, and gospel.
Previews: Saturday, November 22: 8:00p.m.
Sunday, November 23: 3:00p.m.
Wednesday, November 26: 7:30p.m.
Show Run: November 27 - December 28, 2008
Thursdays: 7:30p.m.
Fridays: 8:00p.m.
Saturdays: 2:00p.m. and 8:00p.m.
Sundays: 3:00p.m.
****Opening Night is Friday, November 28, 2008 at 8:00p.m.; Reception
at 6:30p.m.****
Featured actors include: Kimberly Stewart, Margaret Hoffman, Melanie Finely, Anthony Boggess-Glover, Andrew Jackson, Jennifer Colvin, and Darrell Joe.
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 713-520-0055 or at The Ensemble Theatre Box Office 3535 Main St. Houston, TX 77002. Individual ticket prices range ($25 - $45) with special rates for seniors (55+), students with I.D., and groups. For more information visit: www.ensemblehouston.com.
The Twelve Ways of Christmas was generously underwritten by Target. The Ensemble Theatre's 2008-2009 Season is sponsored in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and Texas Commission on the Arts. Continental Airlines is the exclusive airline sponsor for The Ensemble Theatre.
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-two 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 a myriad of audiences.
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