It’s so easy to get caught up in the travel plans, red cup debates, and dinner arrangements that have come with the approaching holiday season, that we may temporarily lose sight of what this season is about. The Classical Theatre of Harlem seeks to remind us.
The First Noel, a commissioned work by Jason Michael Webb and Lelund Durond Thompson, has released a video from the show called “Life Happens” to give us a glimpse into this new and refreshing holiday narrative. It is, in a word, chilling. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the show shapes around this one piece of the puzzle. If this is a litmus test for the passion and creativity that has been pured into this work, I think we are all going to be in for a treat.
Following three generations of a family in Harlem, The First Noel touches on the topics of resilience, renewal, and community. A tragic loss has stolen the holiday joy for this family, but all is well when Grandma unexpectedly comes back to town. The generous acts of many help rebuild the love and morale, one person at a time.
As previously reported, The First Noel will be on stage Dec 13-31, with previews Dec. 11-12 at The Classical Theatre of Harlem. Composer/lyricist Jason Michael Webb (Brooklyn Tabernacle, Motown: The Musical, Violet) and writer/lyricist Lelund Durond Thompson (CTH artistic associate and founder of YellaFella Entertainment) created the work over two years. The duo has re-imagined classic Christmas songs as well as created new melodies designed to become holiday favorites. The soundscape is wonderland of disco, rock and gospel genres. Tickets are limited, as the Soundstage only holds 200 people. Delight in joy of the holidays this Christmas. Get your tickets now!
And if you haven’t seen this video of the first rehearsal for the show, let me bless you. Mykal Kilgore is in here SAAAAAAANGING!
