Poetry, music and dance kicking off Milwaukee's holiday season with 'Black Nativity'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The re-telling of a 1961 Langston Hugues original musical featuring an all-Black, Milwaukee area-based cast is set to take the stage in December.

Black Arts MKE is returning for its seventh year with a production of "Black Nativity" on Dec. 8 - 11 at the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center.

Set in Milwaukee rather than Bethlehem, this interpretation of the story is meant to be joyous and hopeful, incorporating poetry, music and dance from the African diaspora.

In a press release announcing the production, director Dimonte Henning notes that theatergoers can expect a fresh and inspiring take on the original musical, celebrating faith and resiliency. "This play is about triumph over tragedy. Black people in Milwaukee have had to overcome a lot, especially in the past two years, but we are still here and persevere because of the birth of Jesus Christ, and that is something to celebrate!”

Henning added, “The message is love. Love for ourselves, for our neighbor, and for our culture. If you come this year, you’ll see that on full display through the joyful and healing power of Milwaukee’s Black art community. I’m not going to lie, you may cry some cathartic tears, but you’ll also be dancing and singing in the aisles."

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here. Prices start at $45.50 with $25.50 tickets available at a special community night on Dec. 8. More information about Black Arts MKE can be found by clicking here.