Performances begin December 10 for the Apollo Theater and The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel. Set in Harlem in 1985, the new holiday musical features original music and traditional holiday carols reimagined through pop, jazz, and gospel.
The First Noel made its world premiere on the Apollo’s Soundstage last year, and this year makes the move to the theatre’s mainstage for an engagement scheduled through December 18. The production will officially open December 13 and is part of the theatre’s “Holidays at the Apollo” programming.
The musical follows three generations of a Harlem family affected by tragedy to tell a universal story of love and belonging. It features an original book, music, and lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson (founder, YellaFella Entertainment) and Jason Michael Webb (Motown: The Musical, Violet, The Color Purple). Steve H. Broadnax III (Blood at the Root) directs, and Brian Harlan Brooks (Motown: The Musical) choreographs.
The cast is made up of Brian D. Coats, Tina Fabrique, Ashley Ware Jenkins, Donald King Jr, Lizan Mitchell, Ken Robinson, and Soara-Joye Ross, with Nia Caesar and Zariah Singletary starring as Young Noel. The ensemble features James Alexander, Angela Birchett, Jesse Corbin, Darius Crenshaw, Tamara Jade Fingal, Ayana George, Latrisa A. Harper, Adam Hyndman, Sarita Amani Nash, Drew Shade, Tiffany Webb, and Helen White.
The design team for The First Noel features Dan Robinson (scenic design), Rachel Dozier-Ezell (costume design), Alan C. Edwards (lighting design), Curtis Craig (sound design), and Andre Zachery (projection design).
Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office via phone on (212) 531-5305 or located at 253 West 125th Street, and via Ticketmaster.com, (800) 745-3000.
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