Aretha Franklin and Rising Stars Applauded at Powerhouse Houston Theatre Gala

What: The Ensemble Theatre “Elevating the Arts!” gala

Where: The Hilton Americas-Houston

PC Moment: In addition to the always-lively entertainment presented by Ensemble Theatre actors, the night featured a highly-applauded video tribute to Aretha Franklin, followed by a photo montage, which looped throughout the night, of highlights from Ensemble productions from this past season. Then, as always, there was the star power generated by the awards presentations.

Actress Crystal Fox, starring as Hanna Fox in The One and Only, was honored as Actress of the Year. Lamman Rucker, starring in the OWN TV network’s Greenleaf, was tapped as Actor of the Year. And Wendy Armstrong was recognized with the Rising Star Award. The Creuzot family was honored as Community Partner of the Year and United Airlines as Corporate Partner of the Year. Receiving a special award was photographer David Bray, who has served as the theater’s official photographer for more than 15 years.

Emcees Damali Keith of Fox 26 and Melanie Lawson of ABC 13 kept the program moving while Ensemble board president Jesse Tyson thanked the gathering of more than 400 for their support. Chief among the supporters were honorary chairs Andrea and Jarvis Hollingsworth, joined by gala dinner chairs James T. Campbell and Laurie Vignaud.

Who: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, Ensemble artistic director Janette Cosley, executive director Eileen J. Morris, Cheryl and Percy “King” Creuzot, Sally Creuzot, Merele Yarborough, Gerald Womack, Rhea Lawson, Elizabeth and Dr. Cesar Maldonado, Diane and Judge John Peavy, Mary Benton, Cindy Clifford, Iris Cross, Judge Ursala Hall, Anthony Hall Jr. and Mildred and Willie Bright.