The Ensemble Theatre Kicks off Regional Premiere Holiday Musical

 

Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas

 HOUSTON (October 27, 2014) –- The Ensemble Theatre kicks off its regional premiere holiday musical, Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas, with an Opening Night and Media reception, Friday, November 14, 2014, 6:30 p.m.

 

“I wanted to bring something to the world that spoke to all people,” says Stewart. “No matter the economic or geographic upbringing, classic Soulful Christmas music is a part of everyone's holiday repertoire.”

This African American tale, directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris with musical direction by Carlton Leake,     is the story of two children, Destiny and Julius, who are taken on a musical journey one magical Christmas Eve. They soon discover the rich history within the music, dance, and culture of the holidays. They go back in time and enjoy a variety of favorite Soulful Christmas tunes, performed in the style of the artists that made them famous including: “Santa Claus is coming to town” – Michael Jackson, "Go Tell It On The Mountain" - Mahalia Jackson, "This Christmas" - Donny Hathaway,  "Silent Night" - The Temptations, and more!

 

“Music is such an integral part of holiday tradition and celebrations all over the world,” says Harris. “I believe this musical has a song for everyone, whether your holiday is celebrated as one of spirituality and reverence, one of love and romance, or one of childlike wonderment and closeness of family.”

 

Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas is a musical concert with selections written, performed, and published by various artists. 

           

Featured cast members include: Kendra Bradford, Kendrick “KayB” Brown, Jannah Bryant, Jamie Burnett, Asia Craft, Myles Davis, Daron Gilmore, Ayanna Johnson, Ron Johnson, Andre’ Neal, LaKeisha Randle, Delsondro Sims II, Trenton Sutton, Roenia Thompson, and Constance Washington.

 

Stepp Stewart is a Broadway artist and the founder & CEO of Dynamite Productions.  He’s made recurring appearances as the physical trainer and dance instructor for the Dr. Oz Show.

 

“Even when I didn't have a dime at Christmas, these songs brought me joy and granted me "the holiday spirit" like no tangible gift ever could,” says Stewart.

 

Previews: November 8, 9, 12, and 13            Show Runs: November 8 – December 21, 2014

 

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

 

Ticket Prices: $28 - $44

 

Opening Night and Media Reception, Friday, November 14, 2014 6:30 p.m.

 

The Ensemble Theatre's 2014-2015 Season is sponsored in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. United Airlines is the official airline sponsor for The Ensemble Theatre. Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas is generously underwritten by Shell.

 

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-eight years later, the theatre has evolved from a small touring company to 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 myriad audiences.