Houston’s Ensemble Theatre, one of the oldest and largest African-American theatres in the country, honored several talented performers at its annual gala Saturday night.
“A Spectacular Evening of Energy, Honor and Celebration” recognized the outstanding contributions of Lifetime Achievement Award winner Margaret Avery (The Color Purple, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins) Actor of the Year T.C. Carson (Living Single, Five Guys Named Moe) and Actress of the Year Sheryl Lee Ralph (Dreamgirls, Sister Act 2).
The event also recognized the contributions of Houston’s energy industry which has given more than $1.8 Million to the Ensemble Theatre over the past three years, according the board chair Argentina James. For example, BP America Inc, supports the Ensemble’s youth programs and Shell Oil has contributed to the board’s leadership, stage support and volunteerism.
James also announced that the Houston Endowment has awarded the Ensemble $500,000 for facility upgrades.
You can learn more about the Ensemble by visiting its website : http://www.ensemblehouston.com/
KPRC Local 2 Anchor Jerome Gray served as the evening’s emcee. Mayor Annise Parker, along with her life partner Kathy Hubbard, joined hundreds of community and corporate leaders at the sold-out event. 
I had camera issues and had to rely on my phone, but other faces in the crowd included: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Controller Ron Green and Judge Hillary Green, council member Jolanda “Jo” Jones, Cindy Clifford of The Clifford Group, METRO’s Terence Fontaine and Deirdre Fontaine of Continental, Former Judge/ Attorney Levi Benton and Janis Jefferson-Benton, Sylvia and Gordon Quan, who is running for Harris County Judge, James and Carolyn Campbell and former Congressman Chris and Allison Bell and Robert Ross.
Mary Benton Media 
Mary,
Thank you for your coverage of The Ensemble Theatre’s annual black tie gala! We are so pleased to have these honorees celebrate our 34 years of programming and entertainment. We continue to hear from our guests that it was an elegant and exciting evening. Here’s to our 35th Anniversary! See you at the theatre.