HOUSTON (January 4, 2017) – The Ensemble Theatre celebrates gospel music icon Mahalia Jackson in the musical Mahalia, by Tom Stolz and directed by Shirley Marks Whitmore, with musical direction by Melanie Bivens; Opening Night and Media reception, Thursday, January 26, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

“What better way to kick off Black History and lead into Women’s History month than with this entertaining and educational production about the life of Mahalia Jackson,” says Director Shirley Marks Whitmore. “Although music has evolved in many ways, we still look to the expression of song writers and musical artists to communicate our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs.”

A joyous celebration of the life and music of the world's greatest gospel singer: a humble, deeply religious woman whose expressive, full throated voice carried her from a three room shanty in New Orleans to international fame. The joy and inspiration of her heartfelt songs provide a counterpoint to the urgent messages delivered by her friend Martin Luther King, Jr. Standing at his side, Mahalia Jackson became the musical voice of the civil rights movement. This harmonious tribute includes music by various gospel composers as well as hymns and spirituals made famous by Mahalia Jackson.

Featured Cast members include: Asia Craft, Andre Neal, Crystal Rae, and Dorothy Lastice.

Previews: January 21, 22, 25 Show Runs: January 26 – February 26, 2017

Performance Days and Times: Thursdays: 7:30 p.m; Fridays: 8:00 p.m; Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m; and Sundays: 3:00 p.m.

Tickets Available Online: www.EnsembleHouston.com

For Information Call: 713-520-0055

Ticket Prices: $30 - $61

Opening Night and Media Reception, Thursday, January 26, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

The Ensemble Theatre's 2016-2017 Season is sponsored in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. United Airlines is the official airline sponsor for The Ensemble Theatre.

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 Ensemble Theatre produces a main stage season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Performing Arts Education program provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences and live performances for students both off-site and at the theatre; and the Young Performers Program offers intensive summer training for children ages 6 to 17 encompassing instruction in all disciplines of the theatre arts.

“The Mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American artistic expression; to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community.”