The Ensemble Theatre to Present SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING

The Ensemble Theatre presents its season finale Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing by Trey Ellis & Ricardo Khan with Opening Night and Media reception, Thursday, June 30, 2016.

"This is a fantastic story about the lives of Negro League Baseball Players at the pivotal moment of the first African American entering the major leagues," says Director/ Choreographer Patdro Harris.

Kansas City jazz filled nights awakened to cracks of baseball bats as change for Black Americans seemed enticingly close in 1947. Satchel Paige and many other all-stars flourished in Negro League Baseball, many of whom crossed color lines like Jackie Robinson who became the first Black player in modern major-league baseball. This story tells the triumphs and humanity of these players as business men and family men best described in Satchel Paige's quote "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching."

"Just as this play highlights a pivotal moment in baseball, the music infused in the storyline shows a transition from big band to bebop," says Composer and Musical Director Carlton Leake. "Kansas City was a place of growth and transition in the 1940's with a lot of people leaving their mark and shaping the city's culture."

Cast members include: Florida artist, Charles Lattimore in the title role as Satchel Paige; and Houston Artists Andre' Neal; Dave Harris; Kendrick Lattimore; Geovanny Acosta; An'tick Von Morphxing; Estee Burks; and Anthony Boggess-Glover.

Previews: June 25, 26, 29 Show Runs: June 30 - July 31, 2016

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.