As we enter our 49th season, we reflect on our rich history and celebrate the enduring power of storytelling—layered with humanity, passion, and love for our community.
The Ensemble Theatre, an established institution, remains rooted in community while boldly positioning itself in the wider world. Our journey is marked by courage and resilience, embracing the unfolding forces in our daily lives. This spirit embodies our season theme: Rooted in Destiny. Each production is purposefully planted with themes of family, loyalty, values, and beliefs, deepening their significance.
We are excited to kick off our season with a family-friendly classic: Akeelah and the Bee. Playwright Cheryl West captivates with compelling storytelling—engaging characters, heartfelt moments, and an ending that will inspire applause. Akeelah, a vibrant student with a passion for words, faces the challenges of her neighborhood but dreams big—competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Her community rallies around her, turning her aspirations into reality.
Our holiday offering, Take the Soul Train to Christmas by Ekundayo Bandele, follows Ida’s grandad as he takes Ida, Nat, and Rosa on a magical journey. Celebrating the birth of Jesus, Black history, and holiday traditions, this musical adventure, enriched with soulful songs, guides us through meaningful lessons and uplifting stories rooted in cultural history.
Inspired by Toni Morrison’s groundbreaking novel The Bluest Eye, Lydia Diamond’s adaptation explores the pain and longing of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in 1940s Ohio. Dreaming of Shirley Temple’s blue eyes, Pecola seeks love and acceptance. This powerful production examines how love, sisterhood, and family define self-worth amidst a society that imposes harmful standards of beauty and values—leaving lasting scars on the soul.
Our fourth production, Choir Boy by Tarrell Alvin McCraney, is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a Black boys’ prep school. With profound music and captivating storytelling, it explores themes of identity, sexuality, and community. As The New York Times describes, “The sweet harmonies of spirituals unite the sometimes fractious voices of the young men in Choir Boy.”
Adding a touch of comedy, Who All Over There? by Torie Wiggins offers a humorous yet poignant look at love’s complexities—especially when crossing cultural lines. Navigating relationship challenges amid societal and familial expectations, the play reminds us that love often resides in the gray areas rather than black and white.
We conclude our 49th season with a beloved and acclaimed return: Get Ready, a play with music by Jaye Stewart and Joe Plummer. The Doves, a fictional group that is past their prime, prepare for a comeback in an effort to recapture the joy and magic of their heyday.
Join us in experiencing these inspirational, passionate productions, each taking you on a unique journey of discovery. Together, let us harness our power to shape our destiny and stay steadfastly rooted in the promise of tomorrow.
In Art’s way,
Eileen J. Morris
Artistic Director
EJMorris@EnsembleHouston.com
SEPT 19 - OCT 12. 2025
NOV 14 - DEC 21. 2025
JAN 23 - FEB 22. 2026
MAR 20 - APR 12. 2026
MAY 8 - 31. 2026
