MILWAUKEE — “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes returns for its ninth annual holiday musical production in Milwaukee. It’s put on by Black Arts MKE, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary season. 

There will be five public performances from Dec. 5-8 at the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, inside the Marcus Center.

The musical tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through a combination of scripture, poetry, dance and song from the African American perspective.

The production showcases an all-local, and all-Black and brown cast and crew. More than 40 members of the production range in age from nine to 50.

“And so, it becomes a community of people who are looking to create a show and understand each other,” said Artistic Director Wanyah Frazier. “To experience those moments and kind of just be around people who, for lack of a better word, you feel [is culturally important].”

Frazier said he hopes people of all backgrounds come out to experience “Black Nativity.”

“Try something different, invest in a new experience. You won’t be disappointed,” he said.

What You Need To Know

  • "Black Navity" returns to Milwaukee for its ninth year

  • The holiday musical is put on by Black Arts MKE

  • The production showcases an all-local, and all-Black and brown cast and crew

  • Opening night is Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Lex Crump, 18, is a first-time performer in “Black Nativity.” She said she’s been involved in music and theater since she was 8 years old.

“When I was little, people used to always tell me that I was too loud,” she laughed. “Then I went to theater, and everybody loved how loud I was. So, that was great. And so, performing has just been like the wind in my sails.”

Crump said she is proud to be a part of a production that celebrates family, faith and Black culture.

“I really love being in a show where I can connect to my culture, because I don’t get to do that very often. So, it’s just lovely to be in a room with so many talented Black people that like to do the same things that I like to do,” said Crump.

The high school senior recently found out that she was accepted to Fisk University, a historically Black liberal arts college in Nashville. She plans to study vocal performance.

“A show like this, just the sense of community that we have is really great,” she said. “We really are a family offstage, but it really translates really well to onstage. So, I’m really excited for people to see that.”

Here are the “Black Nativity” showtimes:

  • Dec. 5, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 6, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Dec. 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

You can purchase tickets in advance online.

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