Next Week Only: Black Nativity Holiday Musical Inspires Hope & Diverse Cultural Pride

MILWAUKEE (November 26, 2024) – Black Nativity by Langston Hughes returns for its 9th annual holiday musical production, December 5-8, in the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center. Every year Black Arts MKE revisits Hughes’ timeless story to reflect on the diverse Black Experience and how it shapes creativity and faith. Unlike popular holiday theater tradition counterparts like the Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, Black Nativity offers a classic story from the African-American perspective. Joyous African drumming, traditional gospel, and contemporary arrangements will get the audience moving in their seats.

2024 Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/qXG8yrAdixE?feature=shared

Black Arts MKE brings Milwaukee’s arts scene veterans and the best new emerging talent together to reimagine the classic story through dance, theater, poetry, and music. The 24 individual artists behind this year’s production have collaboratively shaped it to reflect their current take on family, faith, and Blackness. This year’s production promises more scenes of dreamy mysticism and new depictions of church and family. 

“Langston Hughes was a rebel. Rebels find and own spaces outside of the status quo to create hope,” said artistic director Wanyah Frazier. “We need spaces just for us, birthed by the essence of who we are so we can tell our stories the way we want them to be told without oversight from something outside of ourselves—that’s what Black Nativity has become.”

The dynamic creative team includes:

• Mary/Mother, D’Shaunta Stewart
• Joseph/Father, Dacosta Martin
• Jesus, Ernesto Bell Jr.
• Doula, Selena McKnight
• Choreographer, Debrasha Greye
• Music Director, Antoine Reynolds.
• Stage Manager, Mia Palmer
• Technical Director, Ron Scot Fry
• Lighting Designer, Eric Rorholm
• Costume Designer, Carlos Vergara
• Projection Designer, Nathan Berry
• Assistant Stage Manager, Malaina Moore
• Production Manager, Barbara J. Wanzo
• Director, Ashley S. Jordan
• Artistic Director, Wanyah L. Frazier
• Ensemble: Martilia Marechal, Christian Adams, Ciara Hart, Lex Crump, Nahjee Robinson, William Toney, Nathan Berry, Dos Feurtado, Amari Berry, Zelah Sain, Raven Dockery, Patrice Hood, Tyler Reynolds, Amaya Joy
• Youth Ensemble: Ryan Smith, Deontrenique Woodson, Issac Williams, Samia Bell, Journee, Nykolis Reynolds, Amyah Joy, Tyler Reynolds, Amari Berry

Shows are available at the following times:

Thursday, December 5, 2024, Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 6, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Each show features a post-show talkback and a full runtime of 90 minutes.

Get tickets here

Black Arts MKE 10th Anniversary Season is generously supported by Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herzfeld Foundation, and Johnson Controls Foundation. Additional support for Black Nativity by Langston Hughes has been generously provided by Arts Midwest, Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, PNC Bank, Yip Harburg Foundation, and Gruber Law Offices.

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.