THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE

THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE
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Directed by
Eileen J. Morris
Underwritten by:
SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 18, 2009
The Ensemble Theatre
BOARD MEMBERS
AND EXECUTIVE STAFF
Founder
The Late George W. Hawkins
Officers
Argentina M. James
Chair
Hasting Stewart
President
Micheal J. Helm
Immediate Past President
Vernon Landers
1st Vice President
Jackie Phillips
2nd Vice President
Alaina King Benford
Secretary
Mary D. Simon
Treasurer
Raquel A. Bone
Assistant Treasurer
M. Kaye DeWalt
General Counsel
DeFarris Gooden
Chaplain
Delores D. Smith
Parliamentarian
Audrey Lawson
President Emeritus
Board Directors
Crawford Bunkley, III
James Campbell
Cindy Clifford
Iris M. Cross
Diedra Booker Fontaine
Audrey Gilbreath
Anthony W. Hall, Jr.
Marian Harper
Paula McCann Harris
Winell Herron
Lynda House-McPeters
A. Renee’ Logans
Ken Middleton
Sharon Murphy
Sharon M. Owens
Paulette Peoples
Brenda J. Peters
Paul-David Van Atta
Board Trustees
D’Artagnan Bebel
Tony Black
Mildred Ball Bright
Lora Clemmons
Honorable Garnet Coleman
Fredrick Cooper
Percy Creuzot, III
Karen Ostrum George
Duni Hebron
Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee
C. Mick Lewis
Leslie Mays
Teddy McDavid
Patricia Allen McGill
Karen Reed
Vernon Rush
Wanda Thornton-Russell
George T. Shipley
Dawn Ullrich
Nicole West
Kathleen L. Wilkes
Laureen Wishom
Tony Wyllie
Executive Staff
Janette L. Cosley
Executive Director
Eileen J. Morris
Artistic Director
The Ensemble Theatre
3535 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-520-0055 (O) • 713-520-1269 (F)
www.ensemblehouston.com
The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African-American
artistic expression; to enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community.
TEXAS
ON
THE ARTS
COMMISSION
This project is supported by a grant
from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the
City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.
The Ensemble Theatre
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. Thirty-two years
later, the theatre has evolved from a touring company operating from
the trunk of Mr. Hawkins’ car to being one of Houston’s finest
historical cultural institutions. The Ensemble is one of a few
professional theatres in the region dedicated to the production of
works portraying the African American experience. It is the oldest
and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, it holds the distinction of
being one of the nation’s largest African American theatres owning and operating its facility
and producing in-house. Board President Emeritus Audrey Lawson led the capital campaign
for The Ensemble’s $4.5 million building renovations that concluded in 1997. The Ensemble
Theatre has fulfilled and surpassed the vision of its founder, and continues to expand and
create innovative programs to bring African American theatre to a myriad of audiences.
The programs and operations of The Ensemble Theatre benefit a multicultural audience that
is diverse in age, income, ethnicity, and culture. The Ensemble produces a Mainstage Season
of contemporary and classical works devoted to the portrayal of the African American
experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The Ensemble’s Performing Arts
Education program provides educational workshops, artist-in-residence experiences, and live
performances for students both off-site and at the theatre. Also, the Young Performers Program
offers intensive summer training for youth ages 7 to 17 encompassing instruction in all
disciplines of the theatre arts. Through its varied programs, The Ensemble Theatre benefits
an audience and artistic constituency of approximately 65,000 people annually.
A Tons of Sizzle and Seasoning
More than 5,500 tons of extra virgin
olive oil passed through the Port
of Houston last year — en route to
kitchens across the country.
B Producing the Produce
The Port of Houston handled more
than 9,000 tons of fresh fruits
and vegetables each year.
C Business is Blooming
The Port of Houston imports nearly
50 tons of cut flowers — providing
natural air fresheners to millions of
U.S. homes and businesses.
D First-Class Seating
Fine upholstered couches are among
thousands of tons of furniture entering
the U.S. via the Port of Houston each year.
A
C
B
D
More than $44 billion worth of goods come
through the Port of Houston Authority
each year, on the way to consumers
in Texas and across the nation. That’s
how the Port of Houston built a worldclass portfolio as a catalyst for regional,
1-800-688-3625\| • www.portofhouston.com
national and international growth.
The Ensemble Theatre
The Ensemble Theatre Staff
The Ensemble Theatre
House Rules
Children
Children six years old and older are
permitted at performances when
accompanied by an adult.
Janette L. Cosley
Executive Director
Eileen J. Morris
Artistic Director
Kedrick Brown
Interim Artistic Assistant
Teresa White
Artistic Associate
Cassandra Campbell
Director of Development
Donald Clemons
House Manager
Brenda Wilson
Tour Education Coordinator
Alona Hudson
Patricia Ewing
Box Office Administrators
Willda Jackson
Event Coordinator
Alvin Lakey
Maintenance Engineer
Joseph Rivera
House Manager
Robert Ross
Audience Development Manager
Donna Smith
Executive Assistant
Cynthia Thaker
Accounting Analyst
Ray Walker
Technical Director
No Photographs/Recordings
Taking photographs or operating
any recording device in the
theatre is strictly forbidden.
No Smoking
Smoking is permitted only
outside of the building.
No Late Seating
Due to the intimate size of our theatres,
no late seating will be permitted.
No Food and Beverages
Eating and drinking are not
permitted in the theatre.
Wheelchair Patrons
Please notify the box office when
making your reservation, and
plan to arrive at least 30 minutes
before curtain time.
Special Service for
Hearing-Impaired Patrons
The Ensemble Theatre offers
assistive listening devices for Mainstage
shows, when requested upon making
reservation. A limited reserve
is based on availability.
Join Us for Our Discussion
and Civic Engagement Series
Theatre Speaks is a series of discussions and civic engagement activity The Ensemble Theatre will offer during its
2009–2010 Season. The series will include workshops,
dialogue exchanges, as well as four designated community
discussions and a food drive for the homeless.
“Theatre speaks to audiences in ways that raise social
consciousness…sometimes theatre speaks through laughter,
sometimes theatre speaks through quiet reflective moments,
but most times theatre speaks loud and direct to our hearts”
says Eileen J. Morris, Artistic Director.
Men’s Forum: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 5:30pm immediately
following the matinee performance of Seven Guitars by August
Wilson. A discussion about love, relationships, and accountability
for one’s actions from the male perspective.
Food Drive: November 1– December 28, 2009 in partnership
with SEARCH Homeless Services and Target.
Women of Change: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 5:30pm. A dialogue
about societal changes for women since the 1960s.
Y-Diversity: Sunday, April 11, 2010, 5:30pm. A conversation about
the views of Generation Y on blended families, race, and social status.
Music and Live Theatre Connect: Sunday, July 4, 2010, 5:30pm,
A lesson on the influence of innovative music styles and incorporation
into live theatre and musical productions.
T
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ENSEMBLE THEATRE
Subcriptions
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The Ensemble 2009 – 2010
T heatre Guild
Dr. Teddy A. McDavid
President
Alphonso Delaney
1st Vice President
Dr. Dena Downey-Garrett
2nd Vice President
Ingrid Faulk
Recording Secretary
Rose Mary McGowan
Assistant Recording Secretary
Della Harlan
Financial Secretary
Aba Gayle Wiley
Treasurer
Jane B. Martin
Assistant Treasurer
Amelia L. Adams
Ruby Harlan Adams
Earline Alexander
Gwendolyn A. Amos
Mable Scott Austin
J. A. Baylis
Anna Pearl Barrett
Betty Bruno
Linda Burks
Rachel Burrell
Janice E. Cassel
Margot Charles
Josephine V. Daniels
Betty H. Davis
Freddie Davis-Kinnard
Savonya DePland
Brenda F. Dogan
Helen W. Eagleton
Paulette Eagleton
Michele Edwards
Mandura Ellis
Betty Foreman
Dr. Laurette Blakey Foster
Gwendolyn C. Gabriel
Joan L. Goffney
Anne Greaux
Stephen Greer
Eva Hannah
Deborah Hawkins
Dr. Roscette Lewis Holmes
Shirley Burks Howard
Cecelia Graves Jackson
Mildred A. Jackson
Betty Jennings
Ozell Taylor Johnson
Paula F. Johnson
Anna Kirksey
Dorothy F. LaBostrie
Lorine Ladet
Barbara Lange
Audrey Lawson (Honorary)
Bernadette Lewis
Pearl Lewis
Fannie Lundy
Jane B. Martin
Beverly J. Maddox
Charlene Miller
Vanita J. Reed
Bromley J. Oliver
Mellany W. Patrong
Dr. Kathy Ranson
Fran Richardson
Genevieve Rousseve
Stephanie M. Sanders
Bobby W. Scott
Linda Shankle
Dr. Forrest D. Smith
Obelia J. Stubblefield
Margie L. Taylor
Ronald Lee Taylor
Ruth E. Thornton
Arnetta T. Venters
Mary D. Vines
Henri Ann Turner
Rev. Darnell L. Walker
Helen M. Ward
Margaret Westbrooks
Ritchie Wilson
Elizabeth Wright
T he E nsem b l e T heatr E
Sponsors and Supporters
$100,000 & up
Houston Arts Alliance
$50,000 – $99,999
BP America, Inc.
Houston Endowment, Inc.
Sterling Bank
Target
$30,000 – $49,999
CenterPoint Energy
Houston Independent School District
Shell Oil Company
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts
$15,000 – $29,999
AVW Audio Visual Solutions
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Continental Airlines
Gilbreath Communications, Inc.
H-E-B
Hilton Americas
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
KRIV-TV Fox 26 & KTXH-TV My 20
McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP
NASDAQ OMX/Globe Newswire
Panhandle Energy
Pfizer, Inc.
Spectra Energy
The Virginia and
LE Simmons Foundation
$10,000 – $14,999
Amegy Bank
Frenchy’s Chicken
ExxonMobil
Greater Houston Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Puddie and James Pitcock
Schlumberger
Sermoonjoy Entertainment, Inc.
Southern Union Co-Panhandle Energy
SYSCO Corporation
$5,000 – $9,999
African-American News & Issues
Andrews Kurth LLP
Anheuser-Busch
CAMAC International Corporation
ConocoPhillips
Cooper Industries Foundation
Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation
The Ensemble Theatre Guild
Friends of The Ensemble Theatre
Fulbright & Jaworski, L.P.
John P. McGovern Foundation
Audrey and Rev. William Lawson
Janis A. and Kevin W. Lynch
Maconda B. O’Connor, Ph.D.
Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Diana and Charles O’Niell
Brenda J. Peters
Pharos Capital Group
Port of Houston Authority
Regina J. Rogers
Brian H. Teichman
Texas Commission on the Arts
T.J. Ford Foundation
True Blue Community Endowment
Valero Refining –Texas, LP
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
Curtin Winsor, III
Merele G. Yarborough
$1,000 – $4,999
Accenture
Kathleen and Paul M. Anderson
Doug M. Angstrom
Kelly and Samuel Ansley
Beatty Street Properties, Inc.
BHP Billiton
Raquel A. Bone
Rosalyn L. Boyd and Walter Jones
Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP
Cheryl N. Butler
Camden Partners
Roxann Chargois
Lora and Dr. John B. Clemmons, Jr.
Florence G. Cody
Compass Bank
Cooke & Bieler, L.P.
Jane and James G. Crump
Davis Hamilton Jackson
& Associates, L.P.
Deloitte & Touche, L.L. P.
Design Source
DMOT Management Group, LLC
Energy Software Consultants
Enterprise Advisory Services, Inc.
First Quadrant
Fujitsu Consulting
G&A Partners
Gayla and Dr. Donald G. Gardner
General Motors Acceptance Corp.
(GMAC)
Guaranty Bank
Gulf Coast CFC Employees
Carolyn and Anthony W. Hall
William W. Harmon, HCC –
Central College
Micheal J. Helm
HMS Host/Houston 8 Team
Houston Astros Baseball Club
Houston Chronicle
JMG Developers
Kellogg’s Food Away From Home
Melissa and Bill King
Michael R. King
L&B Realty Advisors, LLP
Alton LaDay
Vernon Landers
Kenneth Lee
Littler Mendelson, P.C.
A. Renee’ Logans
Maverick Drum America, Inc.
Memorial Hermann
Borris L. Miles
Charlotte R. Miller
Mitsubishi Digital Electronics
America, Inc
Dr. Wanda Mott-Russell
Sharon E. Murphy
Neiman Marcus
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Carlotta C. Oliver
Julie Oliver
Jacqueline L. Phillips
Pierpont Communications, Inc.
Carole Pinkett
Mary and James Prince
Rebecca Reyes
Alex Rodriguez, Mercedes Benz
Scurlock Foundation
SDN Advisors LLC
Valerie and Ben Sheppard
Shipley Snell & Montgomery, LLP
Silver Eagle Distributors
Mary and Martin Simon
Christine and Michael Smith
Specialty Bindery & Printing
Strake Foundation
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Thacker Family Charitable Fund
the Clifford Group, Inc.
The Greenspoint Club
Total Premier Services Nigeria, Ltd.
Sonya Troullier
Union Pacific Railroad
University of Houston Chancellor/
President’s Office
Victory Capital Management
Nicole C. and Anthony West
T he E nsem b l e T heatr E
presents
Written by
August Wilson
Starring
Rachel Hemphill Dickson
Broderick “Brod J” Jones
Featuring
Wayne DeHart
Timothy Eric
Byron Jacquet
Bebe Wilson
Jordyn Lorenz
Scenic and Property Design
James V. Thomas
Lighting Design
Eric Marsh
Costume Design
Liz Tee
Sound Design
Adrian Washington
Hair Design
Derrick Nash
Stage Manager
Lee Waddell
Directed by
Eileen J. Morris
Underwritten by:
TEXAS
ON
THE ARTS
COMMISSION
This project is supported by a grant
from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the
City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
August Wilson at The Ensemble Theatre
1987-88 season
1994-95 season
1996-97 season
2001-02 season
2002-03 season
2004-05 season
2006-07 season
2007-08 season
2008-09 season
August Wilson and
Eileen J. Morris
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by George Hawkins
The Piano Lesson, directed by Claude Purdy
Two Trains Running, directed by Alex Morris
Fences, directed by George Brock
The Piano Lesson, directed by Marsha Jackson Randolph
Two Trains Running, directed by Eileen J. Morris
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, directed by Eileen J. Morris
Gem of the Ocean, directed by Allie Woods, Jr.
Radio Golf, directed by Eileen J. Morris
T he E nsem b l e T heatr E
presents
Time: 1948
Place: Pittsburgh Hill District
Setting: The backyard of a Pittsburgh house.
Cast
(in alphabetical order)
Hedley........................................................................................................................................ Wayne DeHart
Vera......................................................................................................................... Rachel Hemphill Dickson
Canewell....................................................................................................................................... Timothy Eric
Red Carter...................................................................................................................................Byron Jacquet
Floyd.......................................................................................................................... Broderick “Brod J” Jones
Ruby............................................................................................................................................ Jordyn Lorenz
Louise............................................................................................................................................. Bebe Wilson
Understudy
Louise/Vera............................................................................................................................. Tisha DornVera
Production Staff
Playwright....................................... August Wilson
Director........................................... Eileen J. Morris
Scenic/Property Designer......... James V. Thomas
Costume Designer........................................Liz Tee
Lighting Designer....................................... Eric Marsh
Sound Designer/Operator.....Adrian Washington
Hair Designer.....................................Derrick Nash
Choreographer . .....................Myra Jones Romain
Vocal Coach..................................DuWayne Davis
Music Instrument Instructors:
Guitar............................................... Sam Anderson
Harmonica.............................................David Born
Drums................................................ Eddie Horton
Act I
Ritual Consultant..........................................Ifalade’
Fight Choreographer.................Leraldo Anzuldua
Dramaturg................................Candice Alexander
Stage Manager......................................Lee Waddell
Asst. Stage Manager.................... Kendrick Brown
Technical Director................................ Ray Walker
Light Operator...............................Felisia Williams
Crew................................................. .Leevester Clay
Crew(TSU Intern)............................ Jason Holmes
Wardrobe Maintenance.......Bernadine Wilturner
Carpenter........................................Paul Thomason
Asst. Carpenter............................... Terren Gamble
Act II
Scene I: Afternoon
Scene I: Next Day; Late Morning*
Scene II: New Day; Early Evening*
Scene II: Same Day, A Few Hours Later*
Scene III: Next Morning*
Scene III: Next Morning*
Scene IV: Several Hours Later, Same Day*
Scene IV: New Day, Late Morning/Afternoon*
Scene V: Same Day; Evening*
Scene V: Same Day, Afternoon*
(Fifteen minute intermission)
Scene VI: Same Day, Early Evening*
Scene VII: Mother’s Day, Evening*
Parts of the sound design are from the original
Seven Guitars Broadway production, courtesy
of Dwight Andrews.
*Denotes Flashback Scenes
Scene VIII: Mother’s Day, Night*
Scene IX: Next Day; Afternoon
About the Playwright
More than any other writer of his generation, August Wilson transformed
contemporary theatre with a unique blend of poetry, music, storytelling and
mysticism. His literary legacy is the ten play series, The Pittsburgh Ten Play
Cycle, for which he received two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. His remarkable
plays chronicles the African American experience through each decade of
the 20th century in terms both universal and intensely personal, weaving the
stories of ordinary people and their extraordinary dreams into the social and
political fabric that surrounds them. The Ten Play Cycle begins with the 1900s
Gem of the Ocean, the 1910s’ Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, the 1920s’ Ma
Rainey’s Black Bottom, the 1930s’ The Piano Lesson, the 1940s’ Seven Guitars, the 1950s’ Fences, the
1960s’ Two Trains Running, the 1970s’ Jitney, the 1980s’ King Hedley II, and the 1990s’ Radio Golf.
Growing up in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Wilson never looked away from the dire realities his
people faced in the past, face in the present or will face in the future. He has given us that truth
with devastating power. But he creates tragic events with a supple and abiding love. He often rocks
his audiences with laughter at the clumsy energies, sardonic ambitions and bustling enterprises of
his characters, trying to get along and maybe ahead. Many of August Wilson’s plays were developed
at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center’s National Playwright Conference and given their premiers at
the Yale Repertory Theatre. He has enjoyed an ongoing relationship with several resident theatres
amongst them is our very own Ensemble Theatre. Mr. Wilson has won numerous awards, among
them two Pulitzer Prizes, for Fences and The Piano Lesson, as well as New York Drama Critics
Circle Awards for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Fences, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson
and Two Trains Running. He received a Tony Award for his play Fences. August spoke in public,
after an opening or at an awards ceremony; he spoke to the best in everyone listening to him. A
quietly enthusiastic man, he smiled his warm smile, focused his eyes ahead of him, pursed his lips
a little, and told about the fine things he could see everyone achieving. Everyone felt the warmth
of a faithful artist, glowing inside the modesty of a noble gentleman.
Playwright’s Notes
Despite my interest in history, I have always been more concerned with culture, and while my
plays have an overall historical feel, their settings are fictions, and they are peopled with invented
characters whose personal histories fit within the historical context in which they live.
I have tried to extract some measure of truth from their lives as they struggle to remain whole
in the face of so many things that threaten to pull them asunder. I am not a historian. I happen
to think that the content of my mother’s life-her myths, her superstitions, her prayers, the contents
of her pantry, the smell of her kitchen, the song that escaped from her sometimes parched lips, her
thoughtful repose and pregnant laughter-are all worthy of art.
Hence, Seven Guitars.
August Wilson 1995
About the Play
It is the spring of 1948. In the still cool evenings of Pittsburgh’s Hill district, familiar sounds fill the
air. A rooster crows. Screen doors slam. The laughter of friends gathered for a backyard card game
rises just above the wail of a mother who has lost her son. And there’s the sound of the blues,
played and sung by young men and women with little more than a guitar in their hands and a
dream in their hearts.
August Wilson’s Seven Guitars is the sixth chapter in his continuing theatrical saga that explores the
hope, heartbreak, and heritage of the African-American experience in the twentieth century. The
story follows a small group of friends who gather following the untimely death of Floyd “Schoolboy”
Barton, a local blues guitarist on the edge of stardom. Together, they reminisce about his short life
and discover the unspoken passions and undying spirit that live within each of them.
About the Director
Eileen J. Morris is a director, actress and educator. She worked closely with the
founder of The Ensemble Theatre, George W. Hawkins, from 1982 until his death
in 1990. From 1990 to 1999, she served as the The Ensemble’s artistic director.
She left Houston in 1999 to work with the University of Pittsburgh’s Black theatre
company, Kuntu Repertory Theatre under the direction of Dr. Vernell A. Lillie.
She has served on several boards and panels during her 30 years as an artist and
has held the offices of president, immediate past president, vice-president and
secretary with the national organization, Black Theatre Network from 1994–2004.
She has also served on the board for the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance and
Xpressions Dance Company. She has served on panels with the Cultural Arts Council of Houston,
Harris County; Pennsylvania Council on the Arts; the Heinz Foundation; the Multi-Cultural Arts
Council of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Foundation High School Arts Scholarship Committee; Pro Arts;
the National Endowment for the Arts, and Theatre Communications Group. She has developed
collaborations with the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Alley Theatre; Lone Star Community College;
and the Houston Independent School District. As artistic director, she has produced over 72 productions,
which include four world premieres and 50 regional premieres. In 2007, The Ensemble Theatre was
named Best Theatre by the Houston Press and 2007 Best Showcase for African American Actors by
the Ultimate Section of the Houston Chronicle. The Ensemble Theatre also presented two out of the
10 best plays named by the Houston Chronicle as the Best of Houston Theatre 2008. Eileen, along
with Audrey Lawson, president emeritus, was instrumental in initiating the Young Performers’ program
— an educational training program for youth ages 7 to 17 that addresses the collaboration of art and
life skills. This program has now reached over 4,000 youth who have gone on to have careers on
Broadway, and in other areas such as law, medicine, education, community and politics, that allow
them to use their early learned theatre techniques in their suggested fields. Her directing credits
include Livin’ Fat, The Man Who Saved New Orleans, August Wilson’s Radio Golf, Ashes to Africa,
Sty of the Blind Pig (Giorgee Award winner for Best Production in 2008, and recently performed at
the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, North Carolina), and Blue at The Ensemble
Theatre. In Pittsburgh at New Horizon Theatre (Onyx Award for Best Director by the African
American Council on the Arts in 2004), Christmas is Comin’ Uptown, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
at The Ensemble Theatre and at the Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theatre (Best Director mention from the
Pittsburgh Post Gazette), American Menu, Crumbs From the Table of Joy, The Dance on Widow’s Row,
Get Ready, Dancing on Moonlight at Pittsburgh’s New Horizon Theatre, Jonathan, Fences (Best Director
from the African American Council on the Arts in 2005), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Pittsburgh
Playwright’s Theatre, A Love Song for Mumia, Murderer on the Hill District, Liftin,’ Flyin’ West
at the Kuntu Repertory Theatre and A Black History Celebration, featuring Irma P. Hall, at Pittsburgh’s
City Theatre. Eileen enjoys all aspects of the art — because art is and breathes life.
Director’s Notes
In Seven Guitars, August Wilson has provided us with perhaps the most enigmatic of his ten play
cycle of plays, as it is the most lyrical, insightful prose opera and a bawdy murder mystery told in
flashback. August Wilson has often been quoted as saying that all of his characterizations come
from blues lyrics — a style of African American music that transverses a wide range of emotions
and musical elements creating songs whose verses lament injustice or express longing for a better
life and money that can also celebrate pleasure and success.
Seven Guitars provides us with a montage of mystery, folksy humor, homespun philosophy
all deliciously sprinkled with ritual, music, and a joy for living and experiencing.
One of the things that we love about August Wilson is his passion and richness for storytelling and
how he reaches deep into his well-spring of prose to share and contribute the stories that he wanted
to tell. Stories that are reflective of our African heritage, reminisce of our families, and profoundly
engaging stories that stir up memories that spring forth inspiration. The Ensemble Theatre is happy
to continue producing the August Wilson ten play cycle — hence, Seven Guitars.
About the Cast
(in alphabetical order)
Wayne DeHart (Hedley) is in his 28th year of involvement with The Ensemble Theatre
as a director; actor and/or sound designer. Seven Guitars will be the sixth August
Wilson production he has appeared in. Mr. DeHart recently garnered awards for Best
Supporting Actor in last season’s Radio Golf for the role of Elder Barlow, and Best Actor
for his portrayal of Arthur Prejean in The Man Who Saved New Orleans. He is also in
process of directing the world premiere of The Angola 3. His directing credits include
One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show, A Lesson Before Dying, Daytrips, Sundown Names and
Dance on Widow’s Row. Wayne was last seen on the Ensemble stage as “Doc” in Sty of
the Blind Pig, “Bynum” in Joe Turner’s Come & Gone, and as “Memphis” in Two Trains
Running and he recently performed in Driving Miss Daisy with the A.D. Players. He
continues his involvement with The Buffalo Soldiers Museum as well as The Silver House Theatre and
Mountaintop Production’s Camp Logan, which is now in its 16th year of touring.
Rachel Hemphill Dickson (Vera) is excited to be back with the family at The Ensemble
Theatre. You may have also seen her on this stage in The Man Who Saved New Orleans, Joe
Turners Come and Gone, Waitin’ to End Hell, Ashes to Africa, The Story, From the Mississippi
Delta, Harlem After Hours, Checkmates, The Drums of Sweetwater, Tap Dance Kid, The Trial
of One Short Sighted Black Woman versus Safreeta Mae and Mammy Louise. Some of her
other stage credits include The Toys Take Over Christmas, Harriet Tubman’s Freedom Train,
Medea, An American Daughter, Two Gentleman of Verona, Tartuffe, The Courage of Many
Kate Brown, Sin, Debutante Ball, Roll of Thunder-Hear my Cry, The Art of Dining, Salome,
Flyin’ West, Light in the Village, Twelfth Night, and Coriolanus. She has numerous voice-over
and on-camera credits to her name including work for Shell, Waste Management, The
Federal Bureau of Investigations, Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant, and 9-1-1 Call Centers. Rachel currently
teaches theater at Prairie View A&M University and is an adjunct in theatre at University of Houston-Downtown.
While Rachel has executed many of the areas in the theater including touring/outreach coordinator, producer, box
office, stage management, board operator, lighting tech, prop mistress and costume design, she has a passion for
directing. She attributes her joy in all her work to her lovely family and looks forward to seeing you all back for
American Menu.
Do what you do out of LOVE not fear
There are only two emotions –you choose – HE did
Timothy Eric (Canewell) is delighted to be performing at The Ensemble Theatre again.
He has been seen in The Ensemble’s recent productions of August Wilson’s Gem of the
Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Two Trains Running, Piano Lesson, and in Joseph
A. Walker’s The River Niger. Most recently at The Ensemble he was seen in Sty of the
Blind Pig. He has performed in the Alley Theatre’s productions of Of Mice and Men and
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He was seen in Stages Repertory Theatre’s productions
of Andrew Bovell’s Speaking In Tongues and Orange Flower Water. At Houston’s Main
Street Theatre, Tim performed in Law’s of Storms and Intimate Apparel. He has traveled
with the national touring production of Celeste Bedford-Walker’s Camp Logan and
the international tours of Thomas Meloncon’s Diary of a Black Man and Whatever
Happened to Black Love? He received his bachelor of fine arts from Texas Southern University and is presently
working on his M.A. in Radio, Television, and Film at Texas Southern. Tim is a very proud member of
Actor’s Equity since 2000.
Byron Jacquet (Red Carter) is a long-time member of The Ensemble Theatre and his
many credits include Livin Fat’, The Man Who Saved New Orleans, Blue, Joe Turner’s
Come and Gone, Short Eyes, A Soldier’s Play, Two Trains Running, Johnny B. Goode and
Distant Voices. He has performed in the touring productions of The Magic Story Maker,
Brer Rabbit and Wiley and the Hairy Man. Byron has also performed at Stages Theatre,
appearing in The Courage of Mandy Kate Brown; The Alley Theatre in Ma Rainey’s Black
Bottom, Of Mice and Men and most recently in I, Barbara Jordan; in film and television
in Red Ink and American Gigolo; and several industrial films. Byron attended the
University of Houston and the Writer’s Clinic, Inc.
About the Cast
(in alphabetical order)
Broderick Jones (Floyd) is a native Houstonian and long-time member of the Houston
theatre community. He has performed in several of The Ensemble Theatre mainstage
shows including Radio Golf, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Get Ready, Sparkle, In Walks
Ed, Sundown Names Nightgone Thangs, That Serious He-Man Ball, Piano Lesson, Gospel
at Colonus, Black Nativity, Harlem After Hours, Christmas Up In Harlem, and Ashes to
Africa. Brod J.was last seen in The Ensemble’s production of Thomas Meloncon’s The
Man Who Saved New Orleans. He was a principle character in several touring gospel
productions such as Laura Mae Lord Have Mercy and The Streets Can’t Have My Boys,
both produced by the Master Theatre Company. In addition, he performed in the Alley
Theatres’ touring production of I Barbara Jordan. He is also an Encore Theatre Hall of
Fame member, where he’s portrayed diverse characters such as Shakespeare’s Othello, and Romeo in Romeo
and Juliet.
Jordyn Lorenz (Ruby) has appeared at The Ensemble as Marta Henderson in Ashes to
Africa, LaTonya Dinkins in Blue and Beneatha in A Raisin in the Sun, for which she won
the Giorgee Award for Best Supporting Actress. Jordyn has performed in a number of
plays throughout Houston including Romeo & Juliet, The Jukebox and How ‘Bout That,
at venues such as the Encore Theatre, HCC’s Heinen Theatre and Harvest Time Church.
While building her career on stage she has been busy with film projects as writer, producer
and actress. Jordyn currently teaches communication at HCC, Stafford and in the School
of Business at U of H Downtown. Learn more about Jordyn at www.jordynlorenz.com.
Bebe Wilson (Louise) has been active throughout the Houston theatre community
since moving from her native home of Louisiana. Bebe last performed at The Ensemble
Theatre as Mama in Livin Fat’. This marks Bebe’s 26th season with The Ensemble where
some of her credits include The Man Who Saved New Orleans, One Monkey Don’t Stop
No Show, Joe Turner’s Come & Gone, Day Trip, Checkmates, Dance on Widow’s Row,
Bourbon at the Border, Indigo Blues, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Blues for an Alabama
Sky, Home and Spunk to name a few. She has performed at the Jewish Community
Center in the White Rose Production of Oh My God. Bebe’s directorial credits include
The Second Princess, Crowns, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Bourbon at the Border,
Christmas Miracle, Grey Panthers, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry and many others. She
dedicates this performance to her wonderful husband for his love and understanding.
About the Understudy
(in alphabetical order)
Tisha Conswella Dorn (Louise/Vera) returns to The Ensemble Theatre after a seven
year hiatus. During her credited show, Who Killed Hazel Patton, Sing A Christmas Song,
Christmas Coming Uptown, Black Nativity, Distant Voices, Shakin the Mess out of Misery
as well as numerous children shows. During this summer Young Performers program
at The Ensemble, Tisha was voted favorite teacher. She is excited to be back at home
with her Ensemble Theatre family and looks forward to many more main stage performances.
A Tribute to Claude Purdy
The Ensemble Theatre would
like to dedicate this production to Claude Purdy, the
raspy-voiced director and
Penumbra Theatre co-founder
who was instrumental in the
career of August Wilson.
Born in Lake Charles, LA,
Claude Purdy’s skill and artistry as a director lifted August Wilson’s
plays to new breathtaking heights, thrilling audiences of all backgrounds, and inspiring the actors to embody the spirit and soul of
the characters. He understood instinctively the authenticity of the
African American voice, not only its sound and cadence but its
source and promise. His decades long association with August
Wilson strengthened and deepened the playwright’s voice and
his mentorship and support of fellow directors, actors and
artists is a permanent part of Wilson’s legacy.
The director stuck by Wilson through the years as the writer’s
stature grew, staging many of the playwright’s works in theatres
across the nation. In 1990, he mounted Houston’s Alley
Theatre production of Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come And Gone,
which marks the first time he and Eileen met. In 1995
he directed The Piano Lesson at The Ensemble Theatre.
An artist and shaman, he conjures a vision and view of
America, jazz-like in its splendor, that is simultaneously
a celebration and stern rebuke, but ultimately an
irrepressible embrace‚ a love
supreme. He will be missed.
BOOK NOW!!!
The Ensemble can come to
Your School, After-School Program,
Church or Community Event!
Wiley & The Hairy Man
Adapted by Jack Stokes
Grades K–8
Like Aesop’s fables, Wiley & The Hairy Man is drawn from native folk wisdom
“Outwit the Hairy Man and he won’t scare you again,” says mammy. Trembling,
Wiley sets out for the woods, prepared to contact the Hairy Man. He looks fear
in the face and outwits it. The adventures are presented in lyric poetry and mime.
The actors become the woods, the cabin, and all the props, making Wiley
imaginative and easy to mount.
Uncle Remus’ Br’er Rabbit
Adapted by Ensemble Theatre founder George W. Hawkins from the original
Joel Chandler Harris story.
Grades K–8
A fun-packed combination of African-American folklore and American
popular culture, Br’er Rabbit is family entertainment that focuses on the
Golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
A Seat for Rosa
Written by Von H. Washington, Sr. and edited by Fran L. Washington
Grades K–12
From the Whole Life Adventures of Sanko and Kiki, A Seat for Rosa gives an
account of the life-changing decision of Rosa Parks. This story assures Sanko,
who is dealing with a bully on his school bus, to NEVER GIVE UP HIS SEAT!
Freedom is My Middle Name
Written by Lee Hunkins (Booked through Young Audiences)
Grades 5–12
Freedom is My Middle Name is a journey through time and space.
Stagecoach Mary, an endearing, vibrant and powerful character from AfricanAmerican history, takes five urban students on a journey back in time. Their
first stop is Atlanta, Georgia and the year is 1858. There they meet Preacher
Man, a conductor for the underground railroad who uses sermon and song
to give escape routes. This jubilant play is filled with magic, excitement
and humor.
For more info contact Bebe Wilson, Touring Education Coordinator, by calling
713-807-4317 or email at bwilson@ensemblehouston.com.
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Wish List
13” TV with DVD Player Combo for Presentations
Dragon Naturally Speaking 10, Speed Recognition Software
Laptop Computer with External Speaker for Presentations
(4GB mem/300GB disk space)
Portable Stereo/ CD System
Walkie Talkie (2) – Motorola CLS1410
If you or your company wishes to donate the listed items to The Ensemble Theatre
please call Cassandra Campbell, Development Director at 713-807-4306.
Looking for positive, fun activities for your
young person during spring break?
Young Performers Program 2010
sign up your young person now!
Spring Break Session:
March 15 –19, 2010
Ages 6 –17
Contact: Teresa White, Artistic Associate
(713)807-4309 or twhite@ensemblehouston.com
2009-2010 Ensemble Theatre Production Schedule
Seven Guitars, by August Wilson
PG
Previews: Sept. 19 – Sept. 23, 2009 Sat. Sept. 19
Sun. Sept. 20
Wed. Sept. 23
Thur. Sept. 24
Fri. Sept. 25
Sat. Sept. 26
Sat. Sept. 26
Sun. Sept. 27
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
Thur. Oct. 1
Fri. Oct. 2
Sat. Oct. 3
Sat. Oct. 3
Sun. Oct. 4
Thur. Oct. 8
Fri. Oct. 9
Sat. Oct. 10
Runs: Sept. 19 – Oct. 18, 2009
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
Sat. Oct. 10
Sun. Oct. 11
Thur. Oct. 15
Fri. Oct. 16
Sat. Oct. 17
Sat. Oct. 17
Sun. Oct. 18
Christmas with Great Aunt, by Thomas Meloncon
Previews: Nov. 21 – Nov. 25, 2009 Sat. Nov. 21
Sun. Nov. 22
Wed. Nov. 25
Fri. Nov. 27
Sat. Nov. 28
Sat. Nov. 28
Sun. Nov. 29
Thur. Dec. 3
Fri. Dec. 4
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
Sat. Dec. 5
Sat. Dec. 5
Sun. Dec. 6
Thur. Dec. 10
Fri. Dec. 11
Sat. Dec. 12
Sat. Dec. 12
Sun. Dec. 13
Thur. Dec. 17
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
Thur. Feb. 11
Fri. Feb. 12
Sat. Feb. 13
Sat. Feb. 13
Sun. Feb. 14
Thur. Feb. 18
Fri. Feb. 19
Sat. Feb. 20
Fri.
Sat.
Sat.
Sun.
Sat.
Sat.
Sun.
Dec. 18
Dec. 19
Dec. 19
Dec. 20
Dec. 26
Dec. 26
Dec. 27
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
PG/Regional Premiere
Previews: Jan. 30 – Feb. 3, 2010 8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
G/Musical
Runs: Nov. 21 – Dec. 27, 2009
American Menu, by Don Wilson Glenn
Sat. Jan. 30
Sun. Jan. 31
Wed. Feb. 3
Thur. Feb. 4
Fri. Feb. 5
Sat. Feb. 6
Sat. Feb. 6
Sun. Feb. 7
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
Runs: Jan. 30 – Feb. 28, 2010
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
Sat. Feb. 20
Sun. Feb. 21
Thur. Feb. 25
Fri. Feb. 26
Sat. Feb. 27
Sat. Feb. 27
Sun. Feb. 28
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
2009-2010 Ensemble Theatre Production Schedule
Stick Fly, by Lydia Diamond
R/Adult Language
Previews: April 3 – April 7, 2010 Sat. Apr. 3
Sun. Apr. 4
Wed. Apr. 7
Thur. Apr. 8
Fri. Apr. 9
Sat. Apr. 10
Sat. Apr. 10
Sun. Apr. 11
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
Thur. Apr. 15
Fri. Apr. 16
Sat. Apr. 17
Sat. Apr. 17
Sun. Apr. 18
Thur. Apr. 22
Fri. Apr. 23
Sat. Apr. 24
Runs: April 3 – May 2, 2010
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
Five Guys Named Moe, by Clarke Peters
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
Sat. July 3
Sat. July 3
Sun. July 4
Thur. July 8
Fri. July 9
Sat. July 10
Sat. July 10
Sun. July 11
Thur. July 15
Fri. July 16
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
PG/Musical
Previews: June 19 – June 23, 2010 Sat. June 19
Sun. June 20
Wed. June 23
Thur. June 24
Fri. June 25
Sat. June 26
Sat. June 26
Sun. June 27
Thur. July 1
Fri. July 2
Sat. Apr. 24
Sun. Apr. 25
Thur. Apr. 29
Fri. Apr. 30
Sat. May 1
Sat. May 1
Sun. May 2
Runs: June 19 – July 25, 2010
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
Sat. July 17
Sat. July 17
Sun. July 18
Thur. July 22
Fri. July 23
Sat. July 24
Sat. July 24
Sun. July 25
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
2:00 pm
8:00 pm
3:00 pm
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