Ensemble Theatre toasts 40th anniversary
In 1976, the late George Hawkins founded the Ensemble Theatre to preserve AfricanAmerican artistic expression. Some 40 years later, what Hawkins started has become an institution as the oldest and largest professional African-American theater in the Southwest; it’s also one of the few to boast an in-house production team.
The 2016 gala “The Ensemble Theatre: Celebrating 40 Years,” held at Hilton AmericasHouston, raised more than $600,000 toward operating costs and educational initiatives, thanks in large part to cochairs Paula McCannHarris and John Rolfe.
Honorees were Louis Gossett Jr., lifetime achievement; Angela Robinson, actress of the year; Harry Lennix, actor of the year; Anna Maria Horsford, president’s award; C.J. Emmons, rising star; Houston First Corp., corporate partner of the year; METRO, community partner of the year; and Mildred and Willie Bright, who received the founder’s award.
Gossett, Horsford and Lennix each addressed the 600-strong crowd after a reception and silent auction. Emmonds, a Grammy and Emmy Award nominee, said his aspirations to become an actor began after seeing Eileen Morris’ performance in “A Raisin in the Sun” at the Ensemble Theatre.
Later, attendees were entertained by scenes and songs from “God’s Trombones,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Two Trains Running” and “The Wiz.” A three-course feast — including short ribs, drunken Jamaican U-12 shrimp and swapper’s dessert — followed. KHOU (Channel 11)’s Deborah Duncan emceed the event.
Once The Yvonne Washington Band struck up a cord, the soirée moved to the dance floor in celebration of four commendable decades.