Black Nativity by Langston Hughes 2017

Milwaukee, WI (November 15, 2017) – Black Nativity by Langston Hughes will run December 7th through the 17^th at the Marcus Center’s Wilson Theater in Vogel Hall. Directed by Malkia Stampley, the production features a new choreographer, DeMar Walker, and music direction by Antoine Reynolds. Black Nativity is a co-produced by Black Arts MKE and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

Black Nativity by Langston Hughes captures hearts with soul stirring sounds of traditional gospel music.  “Black Nativity is an opportunity to use our recent stories to represent the storytellers, our neighbors, leaders, future leaders, everyday working folks, activists, warriors, and friends who desire to tell the good news of hope. These same people have stories of those who have overcome all odds to be the light and catalyst for change in their communities” says Director Malkia Stampley.

“Our third annual Black Nativity by Langston Hughes is a holiday musical favorite in Milwaukee” says co-producer Barbara Wanzo. Featuring fresh, new faces among a talented all-local cast, Stampley’s modern take on Hughes’ gospel song play about the beloved Christmas Story can be enjoyed by the entire family. Wanzo adds “We’re proud that audiences enjoy and acknowledge the diversity on and off the stage with many commenting that Black Nativity “is relevant to the times and features people of color” and “great reviews, actors and voices; it was an awesome production altogether.”

“The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts understands the importance of African American arts in our community for the ENTIRE community” says Marcus Center President and CEO, Paul Mathews.  Mathews continues, “As the community’s performing arts center, it is our vision at the Marcus Center to provide the setting for outstanding cultural experiences like Black Nativity, where the arts come to life for future generations.”

Black Nativity runs December 7th through December 17^th. Saturday and Sunday matinees available.  Community Night on December 7^th features a “pay what you can” preview performance. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water St, by phone at 414-273-7206 or online at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com.   Groups of 10 or more should call Group Sales at 414-273-7121, x210 or x213.  For more information, visit MarcusCenter.org.

ABOUT BLACK ARTS MKE

Black Arts MKE is committed to inspiring creativity in future generations by increasing the availability and quality of African American arts organizations in Milwaukee. Black Arts MKE artists serve over 3,000 youth annually for K5 through 8th grades. Our performing and visual arts education and outreach programs are designed to reach urban Milwaukee neighborhood schools serving at-risk, underserved, under-resourced, and primarily African American youth. Companies in residence include founding member Ko-Thi Dance Company and Bronzeville Arts Ensemble. Our annual signature event, Black Nativity by Langston Hughes, is a new holiday musical favorite in Milwaukee and is produced in collaboration with the Marcus Center for Performing Arts. Black Arts MKE is a proud UPAF Affiliate and Resident Group at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Please visit marcuscenter.org/residents/black-arts-mke/. Black Arts MKE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.

ABOUT THE MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Established in 1969, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin. As the Marcus Center moves into its 48th year, it continues to build bridges between diverse members of our community through high-quality arts entertainment in the region and the state. The touring Broadway series, sponsored by Associated Bank, is recognized as bringing the best of Broadway entertainment to Milwaukee for the past 20 years and provides opportunities to educate, entertain and engage audiences. The Marcus Center is also the home to the Milwaukee Symphony, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, First Stage plus a variety of other important community and family events throughout the year. For more information about events visit the Marcus Center website at www.MarcusCenter.org. The Marcus Center is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and is a dedicated veterans memorial in Milwaukee.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.