Knock ME a Kiss

Actresses Michelle Harper and Detria Ward sharing a mother daughter scene in “Knock Me A Kiss.”

“Knock Me A Kiss” Playwright Charles Smith visits Houston for The Ensemble Theatre’s Opening Night.

Approximately 14 years ago, Knock Me a Kiss was just one out of four plays being considered in the season line-up by play write Charles Smith.  Only problem was, there was no script; only the budding spark of a creative genius.  Mr. Smith said, “All I have is a title, Knock Me a Kiss.”  Less than a month later he would script a beautiful tale of woman torn between love and duty, set in the Harlem Renaissance.

But don’t feel as though a story set in the 1920’s couldn’t possibly translate to today’s social and political genres; because it does.  In fact, Charles’s fictional depiction of a real-life true story reflects the social issues of today.  How many of us have sacrificed our authentic selves for the sake of a bigger picture?  Knock Me a Kiss asks the question, “What is the bigger picture?”   Beautifully translated by pivotal character Nina DuBois, actress Detria Ward gives a stellar performance as the proverbial “cra cra”.  She let the audience know, every now and again you might want to listen to what a crazy person has to say, they just might save your life.

Overall, every fiber and texture of this play soothes the soul like a warm blanket.  Bravo to the cast!  Job well done!  Opening night is tonight January 31, 2013, 7:30p.  Knock Me a Kiss runs until February 24, 2013.  Don’t put off buying your ticket.  Hurry and get you ticket before someone gets your seat.  They are filling up fast!

– RTW

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PrEparation Is KEy

ThE EnsEmblE ThEatrE’s guEst dirEctor for Knock ME a Kiss and thE Chicago Goodman ThEatrE’s rEsidEnt dirEctor Chuck Smith gavE a grEat workshop at ThE EnsEmblE ThEatrE, Saturday, January 12, 2013.
HE spokE with artists about thE dynamics of planning for an audition. ***SidE notE: I walkEd away with a fEw rEfrEshErs on prEparation for any job intErviEw.***
“You havE to do your homEwork and go into an audition with a positivE mindsEt,” says Smith
A fEw studEnts bravEd thE gloomy wEathEr for what turnEd into a light, informativE class. HE also gavE fEEdback on monologuEs and hEadshots.

Young PErformErs Showing TalEnt and DisciplinE

ThE EnsEmblE ThEatrE Young PErformErs Raiya Goodman and Taylor NElson had thE opportunity to work as paid actrEssEs in ThE EnsEmblE ThEatrE’s production of CindErElla thrEE yEars in a row! ThEsE young ladiEs wErE vEry profEssional and disciplinEd whEn it camE to studying and homEwork. Many nights wE’d catch thEm backstagE with thEir books opEn and “gEtting thEir lEsson,” as wE all EnjoyEd Encouraging thEm with a littlE tEasing from timE to timE. ThEir parEnts had to bE just as committEd in making surE thEy madE rEhEarsals, as wEll as, gEtting thEm to thEir tElEvision and radio intErviEws.

Ensemble Theatre Dream Girl Constance Washington

Congratulations and thank you to our Ensemble Theatre Actress and Dream Girl Constance Washington for representing in the Greater Houston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau new National Ad Campaign!

We’re Moving Forward!

Well, it’s official everyone! The Ensemble Theatre now has a blog. Stay tuned for all sorts of interesting updates and comments.