HOUSTON, April 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ensemble Theatre is most proud to announce a theatre classic and an encore presentation of one of its most captivating productions this season, "The Colored Museum" by George C. Wolfe. Through a series of humorous to poignant vignettes, Wolfe's satire on the contradictions of being black and living in America is priceless. He parodies the occupation with image, hair, class, culture and fame but in an entertaining fashion along with offering his own prescription for self-love. In this extraordinary "museum", eleven exhibits "pop to life" to portray the moving voices and stories of the African American experience.
The production is masterfully directed by Alice M. Gatling who heralds from Houston and has directed such productions as "The Wiz", "Cinderella", "B'rer Rabbit" and "Snow White & the Seven Dwarves". In addition to directing, Gatling has also been seen on The Ensemble Theatre's stage in "Fences", "Piano Lesson" and "From The Mississippi Delta" to name a few. She was also chosen for the prestigious Lincoln Theatre Director's Lab where one hundred directors were chosen internationally and given the opportunity to hone and develop their directing skills in New York. From this distinguished group, only twelve projects were chosen for the LTC to produce and Gatling's project was one of the twelve. Gatling reflects, "Wolfe's satirical look at the contradictions of being Black and living in America drove a wedge into my consciousness. Can an African American really develop self love? Are the emotional scars so deep that we haven't a true sense of who we are? This journey has the power to touch something in each and everyone of us."
Preview dates are Saturday, April 22nd @ 8:00 pm; Sunday, April 23rd @ 3:00 pm, and Wednesday, April 26th at 7:30 pm. Opening Night is Thursday, April 27th at 7:30 pm with a Media Reception at 6:00 pm followed by the performance at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. Special guest on Opening Night will be artist and designer Chris Chapman, aka "Chatty", who is recognized as one of the most important artists of the Black American experience. During the run of the show, The Ensemble will also host its "Artist Spotlights" featuring local artists who will have an opportunity to exhibit and showcase their work which some will be for sale.
Cast members include some Ensemble veterans such as Lynn Charles, Nicole Ford, Kelvin L. Hamilton and Bobbi Yarbrough Session, along with newcomer Kymbrel Mosley.
"THE COLORED MUSEUM"
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Written by George C. Wolfe; Directed by Alice M. Gatling
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April 27 - May 21, 2006
Performance Times
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Previews: Saturday April 22nd 8:00 pm
Sunday April 23rd 3:00 pm
Wednesday April 26th 7:30 pm
Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm Matinee
Other promotional events include: "All Thursdays @ 7:30 pm and Saturday Matinees @ 2:00 pm are 2 tickets for $18.00, 1 ticket for $15.00. On Wednesday, April 26th, a "Pay-What-You-Wish" Night will be held with a minimum donation of $5.00 per person and is open to the public. Also on Thursday, May 11th, The Ensemble will feature "Young Professionals Night" when a pre-show reception will be held along with a "talk back" after the performance. On Saturday, May 13th @ 2:00 PM, another special "talk back" will be held with Museum Curator Valerie Cassel of the Contemporary Arts Museum after the performance.
"The Colored Museum" is generously underwritten by Shell Oil and the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County (CACHH). It is rated PG-13.
For more promotional or ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055.
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. For more information, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com