HOUSTON, Nov. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensemble Theatre celebrates the holidays in its back-by-popular demand performance of the African American Shakespeare Company's Cinderella, with Opening Night and Media Reception, Thursday, November 17, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
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"I'm excited and honored to be part of this amazingly relevant and inspiring interpretation of the Cinderella fairy tale," says Actress Teacake Ferguson. "While keeping all the lighthearted elements true to the story, Carlton Leake and Patdro Harris have helped us reach deep into the hearts and minds of the audience."
Musical Director/ Composer Carlton Leake created all original music specifically for this production. The songs give emotion and insight to the reflective thoughts of Cinderella and the Prince.
"For many of us, the story of Cinderella captivates our hearts and imaginations in unique ways," says Leake. "As circumstances create changes throughout the course of our lives, likewise, our perceptions tend toward change."
Audiences will see all the fanfare they would expect from a fairy tale performance, and the combination of song and movement reveal a story of love, virtue, forgiveness, and triumph.
"Even when your name, your bank account, or your face puts you on the other side of the tracks, always believe in who you are," says Director/ Choreographer Patrdro Harris. "…Cinderella manages to weather the storm and keep some part of the rainbow in her heart."
Featured cast members include: Teacake Ferguson, Alex Kennedy, Rennette Brown, Rachel Dickson, Raiya Goodman, Roenia Thompson, and Tamara Harper.
Previews: November 12, 13, and 16 Show Runs: November 17 – December 30, 2011
Performance Days and Times: Thursdays: 7:30 p.m; Fridays: 8:00 p.m; Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m; and Sundays: 3:00 p.m.
Tickets Available Online: www.EnsembleHouston.com For Information Call: 713-520-0055
The Ensemble Theatre's 2011-2012 Season is sponsored in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. United Airlines is the exclusive airline sponsor for The Ensemble Theatre. This production is generously sponsored by Shell and CenterPoint Energy.
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-five 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.
