A.D. Players at The George Theater Announce New Artistic Director At Their Second Annual After Dinner Affair Gala

A.D. Players at The George hosted their second annual After Dinner Affair on Saturday March 23. The event celebrated all the theater has accomplished in the last year, and looked forward to the upcoming 2019-2020 season. Over 450 guests were in attendance for the West Side Story themed evening, enjoying dinner catered by Churrascos, a silent auction, dessert and champagne, and show stopping entertainment of Broadway favorites supported by a full band and featuring some of Houston's top vocal talent such as; Jake and Emily Speck, Chelsea McCurdy, Brooke Wilson, and out of town guests John-Mark McGaha, Mike Elred, and Piper Jones.

The event itself raised over $250,000 to support A.D. Player programming such as the Performing Arts Academy Arts For All Classes for students with learning differences and the Gift Of Theatre Fund that provides tickets to hundreds who not otherwise not be able to attend live theater. The event was organized by Co-chairs Cynthia Lange and Sheri Fosler, the A.D. Players Development Department and Morgan Todd Events.

In between the incredible music, one of the biggest moments of the evening came with the announcement by Executive Director Jake Speck of the new Artistic Director, Kevin Dean. A.D. Players is entering its 53rd season, and up until this point, founder Jeannette Clift George has been the only Artistic Director. Upon her passing in December of 2017, long time company member Kevin Dean was designated as the Interim Artistic Director. After a period of examination, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to place Mr. Dean in the role permanently.

"The Board is proud to welcome Kevin as the Player's new Artistic Director. Kevin has a history with the company. He has been a part of the work since 1999 and has risen through the organization. He knew Jeannette, he knows the patrons and the heart of the players. He is an ideal choice and we are confident in his ability to fulfill the artistic components of our strategic plan. We are excited about the company's growth under his leadership." said Board Chairman Gina Metzler.

During the entertainment portion of the evening, Kevin was able to take a moment and address those who were present. After opening with a light hearted joke about asking everyone in the crown to mark out the word Interim in front of his name in the program, he transitioned to share a bit of the journey to get to this point. "From intern to Artistic Director. It's been an incredible journey. I started with this company in the fall of 1999 as an intern and as I reflect on this last 20 years, I'm reminded of the many lessons God has taught me. Patience, steadfastness, and humility." Kevin then reflected back on the origins of the company with its founder Jeannette Clift George. "Jeannette believed as I believe, that stories can change lives, and those lives change the world. Whether this is your first time in our theater or tenth time, no matter your race, color, creed, religious affiliation or non-religious affiliation, my hope is that you will continue to join us on this journey for as Jeannette would say "Theatre is for all people".

Executive Director, Jake Speck, came to Houston in the fall of 2017. When asked about Kevin, Jake said "I've had over a year to work very closely with Kevin and get to know him. There is no doubt in my mind he is the right person for this job. I am thrilled with the board's decision and look forward to leading A.D. Players alongside him into a bright and exciting future".

The announcement of their 2019-2020 season was made at the gala and will be rolled out to the general public for Season Ticket purchases to begin by mid-April. They have 4 remaining shows in the 2018-2019 Season, and tickets to all of these are available online or over the phone, 713-526-2721.

A.D. Players at The George, run by Executive Director Jake Speck and Artistic Director Kevin Dean, was founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George. Their mission is to produce compelling theatre from a Christian world-view, that engages a diverse audience. The company is one of Houston's largest resident theatre companies, impacting more than nine million people over its lifetime. Annually, the company produces Mainstage Theatre performances, fields a Regional Touring Unit, and maintains a year-round Performing Arts Academy. A.D. Players at The George became an Actors' Equity Association (AEA) theatre in 2017 and is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more information, visit www.adplayers.org.

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