The Ensemble Theatre Makes a Joyful Noise in ‘Sanctified’ by
Javon Johnson
The Ensemble Theatre joyfully concludes its 35th Anniversary with its season finale gospel-musical comedy, Sanctified, by Javon Johnson; Opening Night and Media Reception, June 28, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
“What a moving journey Javon Johnson has given us,” says Director & Choreographer Patdro Harris. “It’s a journey into the lives of believers in South Carolina all riding on a bed of music that includes those ever faithful hymns, all cleverly arranged by Musical Director Carlton Leake.”
Sanctified is a hilarious gospel comedy that opens a window to the African American church, gospel music, and the congregations that sustain it. East Piney Grove Church (standing on its traditions …and its last legs) is faced with the challenge of working together in their last-ditch effort for a successful revival. Their newly appointed Pastor, in desperation, enlists the help of his cousin and self-proclaimed gospel D-I-V-A, but the church elders won’t stand for it.
Featured cast members include: Anthony Boggess-Glover, Joseph “Joe P”
Palmore, Tracey Wheat, Alice M. Gatling, Regina Hearne, Nate Jones, Shemica Hill, Kendrick “Kay” Brown, Candice D’Meza, JoAnne Davis-Jones, Jason Carmichael, Larry Cooper, Rodrick Randall, Alkendria Smith, and April Wheat.
“I am thankful for a glorious cast and crew all supported by Eileen J.
Morris and The Ensemble Theatre staff. Ahhh…a match made in heaven,”
says Harris.
Previews: June 23, 24, 27 Show Runs: June 28 — July 29, 2012
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.
****Opening Night and Media Reception is Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 6:30
p.m. ****
Tickets Available Online: www.EnsembleHouston.com For Information Call:
713-520-0055
Director & Choreographer Patdro Harris and Musical Director Carlton Leake team up for another musical journey. They’ve worked together on several of the most noted musicals at The Ensemble Theatre including:
Ain’t Misbehavin, The Wiz, Five Guys Named Moe, Blues in the Night, and Cinderella.
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 Cullen Trust for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, NEA, 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.
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