February 16, 2011

News Release

Express Children’s Theatre Performs for TISD Students

Young Audiences: Express Children’s Theatre Performance
“Freedom Train”
Thursday, February 17, 2011
1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Hubbard Middle School
1300 Hubbard Drive
Tyler, Texas

Friday, February 18, 2011
9:00 a.m.
Jones Elementary School
3450 Chandler Hwy.
Tyler, Texas

The Express Children’s Theatre will perform “Freedom Train” for the students at Hubbard Middle School.  The performance is an inspiring tale of survival, Lettie and her daughter, Sally, travel from slavery in East Texas to the freedom that awaits them in Mexico. Their perilous journey takes them from a life of fear to one of courage and hope. This story of bravery and determination tells a bit of little known Texas history. A celebration of freedom set to rhythmic music, this African American History month presentation will delight all ages. Written by Celeste Bedford-Walker and directed by Shirley Marks Whitmore, Choreography by Vincent James, music direction by Sammie Ammons and set design by James Thomas. The cast includes Clay Ratcliff, Nicholas Lewis, Lakeicha Thomas and Shamica Hill.

Express Children’s Theatre is Houston’s oldest and largest performing and arts education organization dedicated specifically to children and families. They are celebrating their 20th season of creating and presenting professional, culturally diverse performing arts designed to entertain and educate.

Express Theatre was founded in 1991 with two shows, four actors and a shoestring budget. Since that time, they have been the proud recipients of two Austin Circle of Drama Awards, three B. Iden Payne awards for children’s theatre, a cover story in Stage Directions magazine and were chosen to participate in a historic exchange program with Beijing Children’s Art Theatre. This season we will present over 300 performances in venues all over Southeast Texas. Express has already touched more than 2 million young lives.

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