2016-2017 SEASON

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3535 Main Street • Houston, TX 77002

Box Office 713.520.0055 • Fax 713.520.1269

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

Iris M. Cross 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 Jackie Phillips 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

April 2016

Dear Ensemble Family Member:

Thank you for investing your time and resources on 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 40th year 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,

Robert Ross Audience Development, Public Relations Manager rross@ensemblehouston.com www.EnsembleHouston.com

The Ensemble Theatre 2016-2017 Season Synopses

―We’re in existence to do good plays, with universal appeal.‖ George Hawkins 1983

Sassy Mamas Regional Premiere PG-13/ Romantic Comedy/ Some Adult Situations By Celeste Bedford Walker Directed by Eileen J. Morris

Previews: September 17, 18, and 21 Opening Night: September 22, 2016 Runs: September 22 – October 16

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! The First Noel Regional Premiere G/ Musical Book, Music, and Lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson and Michael Webb Director and Choreographer Patdro Harris Musical Direction by Carlton Leake

Previews: November 12, 13, and 16

Opening Night: November 17, 2016

Runs: November 17 – December 30, 2016

Audiences will have to bundle up as they enter this winter wonderland where beloved Christmas carols emerge as dynamic new songs, destined to become holiday favorites for a new generation. The First Noel is a heartwarming musical that follows three generations of a family affected by the tragic loss of a loved one, when an unexpected visit reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. It is a story about how a community is healed, one family at a time, as everyday people do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love at Christmas time. Mahalia Regional Premiere G/ Musical By Tom Stolz Directed by TBD

Previews: January 21, 22, and 25 Opening Night: January 26, 2017 Runs: January 26 – February 26, 2017

A joyous celebration of the life and music of the world's greatest gospel singer: a humble, deeply religious woman whose expressive, full throated voice carried her from a three room shanty in New Orleans to international fame. The joy and inspiration of her heartfelt songs provide a counterpoint to the urgent messages delivered by her friend, Martin Luther King. Standing at his side, Mahalia Jackson became the musical voice of the civil rights movement. This harmonious tribute includes music by various gospel composers as well as hymns and spirituals made famous by Mahalia Jackson.

The Ensemble Theatre 2016-2017 Season Synopses

―We’re in existence to do good plays, with universal appeal.‖ George Hawkins 1983

The Nacirema Society Winner of The Ensemble Theatre Audience Choice Selection PG/ Romantic Comedy/ Revival By Pearl Cleage Directed by Eileen J. Morris

Previews: March 18, 19, 21 Opening Night: March 23, 2017 Runs: March 23 – April 16, 2017

Every year since Emancipation, the Nacirema Society of Montgomery, Alabama introduces six elegant African-American debutants to a world of wealth, privilege and social responsibility. This year, at its 100th anniversary, with young love brewing, old flames simmering and national media attention on-hand. . . what would dare to go awry? Pearl Cleage, award winning playwright of Blues for an Alabama Sky and Flyin’ West, and New York Times best-selling author of the Oprah book club selection, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, invites you into this glamorous world where folks still dress for dinner. A sparkling romantic comedy! Front Porch Society World Premiere PG/ Comedy/ Drama By Melda Beaty Directed by Eileen J. Morris

Previews: May 6, 7, 10 Opening Night: May 11, 2017 Runs: May 11 – June 4, 2017

It’s November 4, 2008 in Marks, Mississippi, and America is on the eve of electing its first black president. But what does that mean to 4 elderly women in this rural town, especially Carrie Honey, the town’s ―overseer,‖ as she grieves the anniversary of her son’s tragic death amidst the town’s excitement over Barack Obama. After years of failed attempts to seek justice, Carrie has grown bitter and no longer interested in life’s celebrations, until a scandal at the cemetery rocks this historic day, and a past secret is revealed that somehow restores her faded faith. Simply Simone Regional Premiere PG/ Play with Music Written by Robert Neblett and David Grapes Musical Arrangement by Vince diMura Director & Choreographer Patdro Harris

Previews: June 24, 25, 28 Opening Night: June 29, 2017 Runs: June 29 – July 30, 2017

Nina Simone, from child prodigy; jazz superstar; civil rights activist; to political exile was one of the true divas of the 20th century and a genuine musical powerhouse; she defined a generation and defied classification. Her silky, soulful, and untamed, voice will put a spell on you. She’ll melt your heart; she’ll chill you to the bone. Simply Simone crosses genres from gospel to blues to Broadway to rock and roll, and features such definitive Simone classics as ―I Loves You Porgy,‖ ―The Look of Love,‖ ―My Baby Just Cares for Me,‖ ―To Be Young, Gifted, and Black‖ and ―Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.‖

2016-2017 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 20, 2016 (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 may 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 may only be 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 Special Discount or Pre Fix Menu at Sparrow Wine Bar & Cookshop with your Member Ticket Stub Loyalty discounts when you renew your membership from the previous season E-newsletter promotions and notices

40th Anniversary --- “Dawn of a New Decade

2016-2017 Season

George W. Hawkins Mainstage Performances

“We’re in existence to do good plays, with universal appeal.” George Hawkins 1983

(1) Sassy Mamas PG-13/Romantic Comedy /Some Adult Language/ Regional Premiere (2) The First Noel G/Musical/Regional Premiere

(3) Mahalia G/Musical/ Regional Premiere (4) The Nacirema Society PG/ Romantic Comedy/ Revival (Audience Choice Winner)

(5) Front Porch Society PG/ Comedy/ Drama/ World Premiere (6) Simply Simone PG/ Play with Music/ Regional Premiere

MEMBERSHIP PRICE STRUCTURE and EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS

I’m a New Member I’m a Returning Member

Category

Membership

Full Price

Loyalty Discount for

Renewing Members Expires:

May 31, 2016

Regular Early Bird

Only Available: May 1 -June 30, 2016 # of Packages Sub Total

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 ( ) $190 ( ) $150 ( ) $250 ( ) $500 ( ) Other________ $

Grand Total: $

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