Lauren Chan News

With a tale as old as time, Disney's enchanting musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST continues to waltz onstage at Theatre in the Park tonight, Aug. 2, through Saturday, Aug. 5.

Just in time for the holiday season, The Ensemble Theatre is presenting the World Premiere of DJEMBE AND THE FOREST OF CHRISTMAS FORGOTTEN. The fairy tale features book, music, and lyrics by Carlton Leake and is directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, the same team that brought us last season's smash hit CINDERELLA. This year's fairy tale is a parable about dropping egotism and coming to appreciate the interdependence between all humans to better the world for everyone. It offers catchy music, quality performances, and just enough spectacle to entertain audiences of all ages.

I have to admit, it's hard for me to get exited about stage adaptations of the Cinderella story. Growing up, I had Rogers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA starring Julie Andrews crammed down my throat. The 1997 version starring Brandy promised to be a fresh and relevant take on the material, but I was not impressed. Now, the New York Theatre Scene is about to welcome Rogers and Hammerstein's version on Broadway. But, maybe they need to reexamine things because at Houston's Ensemble Theatre the African-American Shakespeare Company and Carlton Leake version of CINDERELLA is captivating, powerful, and beautiful! This well-liked and exhilarating piece of theatre is back by popular demand and being presented for its third time at Ensemble Theatre.