The Ensemble Theatre Dances Into the Holidays with THE FIRST NOEL
The Ensemble Theatre dances a step further into its 40th anniversary season with the holiday musical, THE FIRST NOEL featuring music, lyrics, and a book by Lelund Durond Thompson and Jason Michael Webb. Frequent Ensemble collaborator Patdro Harris directs and choreographs. And Chika Kaba Ma'atunde provides musical direction.
"This show is about the closeness of a family and the role everyone plays in helping one another at a difficult time and how they ultimately find their joy again," says Harris. "Family bonds many times help us find our bearing when life knocks us a bit off kilter."
Audiences will have to bundle up as they enter this winter wonderland where beloved Christmas carols emerge as dynamic new songs, destined to become holiday favorites for a new generation. The First Noel is a heartwarming musical that follows three generations of a family affected by the tragic loss of a loved one, when an unexpected visit reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. It is a story about how a community is healed, one family at a time, as everyday people do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love at Christmas time.
"Get ready for a feel good, family friendly show that will make you want to reach out and hold those dear to you a little closer," says Harris.
Featured cast members include: Tony Glover, An'Gelle Sylvester, Regina Hearne, Silvanous LaToison, JoAnne Davis-Jones, Orlando Jones, Jayla McDonald, Samaya Holmes, and Roenia Thompson.
THE FIRST NOEL is part of the The Ensemble Theatre's main stage season, which includes six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists.
The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. In addition to being the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's largest African American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team.
THE FIRST NOEL Opening Night Reception is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 17. Previews are November 12, 13, 16. Through December 30. Performance days and times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. For information, please call 713-520-0055 or visit EnsembleHouston.com. $23 - $44
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