Patdro Harris News

Somewhere in my prodigious vinyl collection there is at least one album by the self-proclaimed 'High Priestess of Soul,' Nina Simone; and having just seen SIMPLY SIMONE: The Music of Nina Simone, at the Hattiloo Theatre, I am taking a deep breath and planning to thumb through my myriad of records in order to seek it out. Nina Simone never quite 'caught on' with mainstream audiences; the legendary Aretha Franklin, who, like Simone, emerged from a gospel background and was a gifted pianist, was much more successful in that respect. Simone was too idiosyncratic a performer to be pigeonholed or labeled. She scoffed at being called a blues singer or a jazz singer; her early classical training, encouraged by a white pianist and patron (who collected money from the people in the town and helped to enroll at Juilliard), always informed her music. Moreover, the songs she chose to interpret, in addition to her own, were an eclectic repertoire: Everything from Gershwin to the Beatles. Underappreciated in her own country, and disillusioned by the stagnation of the Civil Rights Movement after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she found her audience abroad, particularly in France; she turned her back on disco (which she disdainfully dismissed) and was selective and intelligent in the music she chose to interpret, which left no room for her on the popularity bandwagon.

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.

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.

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.

The Ensemble Theatre celebrates its commissioned new work by Playwright/ Composer Carlton Leake, and Director/Choreographer Patdro Harris, Djembe and the Forest of Christmas Forgotten.

The Ensemble Theatre celebrates its commissioned new work by Playwright/ Composer Carlton Leake, and Director/Choreographer Patdro Harris, Djembe and the Forest of Christmas Forgotten.

The Ensemble Theatre celebrates its commissioned new work by Playwright/ Composer Carlton Leake, and Director/ Who/What: Choreographer Patdro Harris.

Join Patdro Harris for his seminar 'Movement for Non-Dancers: The ABC's and Beyond' today, September 21, from 10 am to 1 pm. Cost: $65 for the three hours.

Join Patdro Harris for his seminar 'Movement for Non-Dancers: The ABC's and Beyond' on Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 1 pm. Cost: $65 for the three hours.

The Ensemble Theatre presents From My Hometown, a musical celebration of classic rhythm and blues, written by Lee Summers, Ty Stephens, and Herbert Rawlings Jr.

Penumbra Theatre announced the addition of seven performances of SPUNK, due to popular demand. The extension runs through Sunday, April 14, 2013. The seven additional performances of the extended run are:

Penumbra Theatre announced today the opening of SPUNK, adapted by George C. Wolfe from "Three Tales" by Zora Neale Hurston, music by Chic Street Man. The production will open Thursday, March 14 and run through April 7, 2013 at Penumbra Theatre.

Theatrical Outfit presents Fly, written by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan tonight, January 30 - February 24, 2013 at the Balzer Theater at Herren's. Directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris.

Penumbra announced today that it exceeded its fundraising goal and will resume programming this spring. Over 1,400 individuals, corporations and foundations donated $359,000 by December 30, 2012.

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.

Theatrical Outfit announces Fly, written by Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan. January 30 - February 24, 2013 at the Balzer Theater at Herren's. Directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris.

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.

The Ensemble Theatre seeks audition videos for soloists to perform in a walk-on role in 35th Anniversary Season finale musical and gospel comedy, Sanctified, by Javon Johnson.