Ensemble Theatre Presents CHRISTMAS WITH GREAT AUNT, now-12/27

The Ensemble Theatre presents the contemporary play with gospel music, 'Christmas with Great Aunt,' by nationally known Houston playwright Thomas Meloncon with an opening night and media reception, Friday, November 27, 2009, 7:00p.m. at the theatre.

'Christmas with Great Aunt' tells the story of the Gilliam family, though modern in every means of current society, they stand to learn a lesson or two when they travel from their luxurious life in The Woodlands to the small hills of Bethlehem, Texas. While visiting their family matriarch known as Great Aunt, the Gilliam family encounters a community of proud farmers who've just lost their 150-year-old church in a fire, but are determined to uphold the tradition of having their annual Christmas play, an event filled with history, song, messages of self-determination and reverence for the coming of the Messiah. The Gilliam family ultimately experiences an awakening that tests their faith and irrevocably changes their view of Christmas.

"In today's technological world of ipod neurosis and Blackberry family time, the real meaning of Christmas is constantly being lost in the marketplace of consumption and self-indulgence," says Meloncon.

Director and Choreographer Patdro Harris and Musical Director Carlton Leake are combining their talents again to present another lively holiday selection. They've become known for their collaborations on several projects recently seen on The Ensemble's stage including: 'The Wiz,' 'The Twelve Ways of Christmas,' and 'Ain't Misbehavin.'

"There are many definitions of family, but there is one major component they all possess... connection," says Harris. "Thomas Meloncon has given us a beautiful story of love that won't be denied, one of family love that stands the test of time, and of generational love that will always be remembered."

Musically, 'Christmas with Great Aunt' combines elements of contemporary, original gospel, and good ole time religion. Leake and Harris have created several musical arrangements that primarily use organic sounds of foot stomping and hand clapping.

"The creative use of organic music in this play makes it so rich and thick with love it sticks to you like clay when you squeeze it and it oozes between your fingers" says Eileen J. Morris, Artistic Director for The Ensemble Theatre. "Anyone who's ever over heard their parents stories of majestic holidays they spent with relatives in far away little towns will be filled with nostalgia."

The production will run through December 27 with performances on Thursdays: 7:30p.m.; Fridays: 8:00p.m.; Saturdays: 2:00p.m. and 8:00p.m.; and Sundays: 3:00p.m.

Tickets range in price from $20-$20 and can be purchased by calling (713) 520-0055 or visiting www.ensemblehouston.com.

The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. The theatre is known as the only professional theatre in its region dedicated to the production of works portraying the African American experience. 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. Board President Emeritus Audrey Lawson led the capital campaign for The Ensemble's $4.5 million building renovations that concluded in 1997.

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