Thespian Legend Set To Direct Monumental 10th Anniversary Production of “Black Nativity”

What comes to mind when you think of this time of year? The festive array of depictions shown around the holiday season often includes winter wonderland markets, filled ice skating rinks, tree lighting ceremonies, and countless trips to shopping malls so that the babies can sit on Santa’s lap. Uniquely, the city of Milwaukee has always shed light and built much anticipation around its very own holiday staple for the community. That timely and riveting holiday staple has become the theatrical adaptation of “Black Nativity” by trailblazing poet, Langston Hughes. Unlike other holiday-inspired traditions and communal staples, this joyful and spiritual production goes beyond the surface of the true reason for the season of Christmas from a divine perspective, rather than being commercialized.

Over the last ten years, non-profit and Black-led organization Black Arts MKE has showcased the soul-stirring, culturally rich gospel song-play, Black Nativity, through a diverse and multifaceted lens. Every director has been granted the fulfilling opportunity of bringing their significance and vision of Black Nativity to life at least twice for the hopeful and buoyant characters that keep the streets of our city alive and energized. What has now become a highly anticipated holiday classic in Milwaukee has brought everything but disappointment over the past decade. Black Nativity boldly celebrates the holiday season from an African-American viewpoint and never fails in placing a glimmering spark inside of the eyes of everyone who sees the production. Although the intriguing essence and authentic spiritual message of the work of art consistently shines through the audience and cultivates much impact, the heavy-hitting song-play is reimagined every year in a completely different way.

As this year marks the 10-year anniversary of the stellar and exhilarating showcase of admirable, Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, the production embarks on a new journey after taking on fresh and seasoned leadership. The next visionary who has been given the occasion to reimagine the song-play by transitioning the meaning and theme living in their head onto the vibrant stage is none other than thespian legend, Sheri Williams Pannell. Before Pannell became Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble, and Co-Director of the Fine Arts Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, she was just like all of us, someone who completely fell in love and immersed themselves in the Black Nativity story--ten years ago. After several successful showings of this masterpiece and a theatrical abundance of talented directors who have ignited their own fires inside of Black Nativity, the million-dollar question is, what can everyone expect from Pannel’s reimagination of it this year? How will it represent something it has never displayed before, or how similar in style and music will the high anticipated song-play be compared to previous years?

“From the rhythmic dancing, eye-catching costumes, and carefully crafted storytelling, right away I thought, ‘Oh one day I would like to direct this show.”

— Thespian Legend, Sheri Williams Pannell

“She is a distinguished author/playwright, a phenomenal theatrical talent, with an impressive historical reservoir of the culture and community”

— Barbara Wanzo, Executive Director of Black Arts MKE

Origins and taking a deep dive back into our complex and fascinating roots are the tools being utilized the most by Pannell as the thespian legend has begun directing this year’s showcase of Black Nativity. The intentional artistic director wants to strongly emphasize the original text Langston Hughes wrote in 1961. Pannell’s primary goal is to increase the excitement and enthusiasm people have for celebrating African-American traditions. The feeling of authentic joy and being fully represented in all aspects—mind, body, and soul is the foundation she has cultivated to set the tone for the entirety of the show. Not only is one side of African-American history being brought to life on stage, but also underrepresented traditions as well, such as the unifying Kwanzaa celebration. Her intentionality shows effortlessly. For example, a new partnership with Members of Divine Nine has emerged with Pannell’s Black Nativity showcase. The kind and stylish members have donated authentic African garments and textiles that have been utilized as inspiration for the costume design. She is paying attention to every detail, but wants the message to remain the same: find joy and gratitude in life, Jesus Christ’s life, and never let your trials and tribulations define you.

“It is my goal to maintain the spirit of faith, hope, and joy in the birth of the Christ Child, which Hughes so lovingly expressed in his musical, while infusing African American traditions practiced during the holiday season, especially on New Year’s Eve known in the Black community as Watch Night. This musical is our holiday offering to the world. To recognize that even in the most difficult moments in our history, African-American people have found a way to have joy. Black Nativity is an example of this beautiful truth.”

— Director-Sheri Williams Pannell

Want to celebrate this holiday season in a unique and electrifying way? Is indulging in the colorful and cultural soul-play already a tradition for you and your family? Purchase tickets today and reimagine the true meaning of this holiday season.

Performance Schedule

Each show features a post-show talkback and a full runtime of two hours.
• Thursday, December 11, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.)
• Friday, December 12, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Student Matinee 11:00 a.m.)
• Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
blackartsmke.com/blacknativity

$62 | Reserved Seating
Group, Student, and Artist rates available.

Tickets available at the Marcus Center Box Office, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI, or by calling 414-273-7206.
Groups of 10 or more should contact Group Sales at 414-273-7121 x210.
Special discount rates are available for students and artists.

Black Arts MKE’s 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 the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation, the Harri Hoffman Family Foundation, Gruber Law Offices, and the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

Snapshot Press Release | Black Nativity [More Than The Birth of A Savior; Also A Cultural Love Letter]

The word of the day /CW Fam: Favorites. Everybody has favorites in different aspects and categories of life. From food, tunes, hangout spots after work, and TV characters; the list goes on. The holiday season is not off-limits when it comes to this inevitability. Everybody has their holiday staples that they look forward to. For many people, this can be watching holiday films such as Home Alone, The Grinch, and This Christmas while for others it's eating all the baked goods grandma prepares during the festivities. The city has declared a holiday favorite of its own. Black Nativity, a theatrical performance put on display every year to add some holiday cheer to the theatre industry. 

What does a black utopia look like to you? Is it the spitting image of Black Wall Street filled with hundreds of black businesses? Maybe it’s the painting hung up in your mama’s living room with black people singing and dancing with smiles spread across their faces as bright as the sun. I believe the answer to this question is the musical buffet of the 2024 Black Nativity performance. The show consisted not only of the bones and accuracy of the original Nativity story but also a colorful dialogue between a higher power (God) and the black and brown people who make up millions of communities throughout the nation.

December 5th-8th, 2024 was this year’s display of Black Nativity, originally written by the leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes. The phenomenal performance took place in Wilson Theatre at Vogel Hall in the Marcus Performing Arts Center located in Milwaukee, WI. There are centuries worth of history where the birth of Jesus Christ, also known as the Nativity story has been illustrated and depicted the same way every time. The ethnicity of the characters, wardrobe, and setlist remained the same; no room for versatility or imagination. Hughes became weary of the African-American community just talking about how this made them feel excluded and forgotten about. He then took the initiative in changing how and what the Nativity story

looked like. It’s no secret that back in the day Hughes was the face of “Don’t just talk about it; be about it”. His mentality has inspired and driven many adaptations created by black artists to keep this same mindset and hunger; specifically directors of this year’s Black Nativity, Ashley S. Jordan and Wanyah L.Franzier.

The birth of a perfect human being taking on the most cruel consequence for all who commit actions against spiritual law based on unconditional love and authentic faith is the nativity story universally known and cherished. Over the last nine years, Black Nativity showcased in the city has proven that there is more than one narrative and purpose that can be heard and emotionally tangible to an audience that looks, talks, and walks like the cast members of the annual production. Round of applause to Jordan and Franzier because this year’s show was a cultural feast of R&B, Gospel, and African roots that created a love story between a higher power and the African-American community. It’s so easy to lose sight of the heart and soul of a message when the element of providing an entertaining show with lighting, fits that people would love to see at a fashion show, and soulful choreography is involved. Still, year after year the show is executed on the right queue!

A sea of sapphire blue and lavender purple lights swarm throughout the stage as the opening scene begins. The audience could hear what seemed to sound like crystals falling to the floor and drums being played as loud as Nick Cannon and Leonard Roberts’ one on one competition in the 2002 film, Drumline. I’m telling you at least twenty people jumped out of their seats within 5 seconds of the beat dropping {Y’all got me. My best friend and I were included!}The essence of a soft, affectionate, and struggling young black couple fills our eyes; until a soft-spoken man with a glistening gold shadow (representing the Angel Gabriel) approaches them.

“You don’t believe you’re worthy? Why can’t good things happen to you?” These are the questions I wanted to ask Young Mary after hearing the disbelief and fear in her voice once the shimmered chocolate angel narrated the events that would go on during the production. Although it was a breakdown of the original Nativity story from the couple’s journey to Bethlehem and the Magi coming to share who Jesus is with Mary; each scene captivated us all by creating a different significance.

Can’t

Won’t

Don’t

Haven’t

Echoes of the four words above slipped out of not only Mary and Joseph’s mouths but many of the other artists’ mouths in the first half of the production as well. It didn’t take long for the audience to realize what message Jordan and Franzier were conveying. Confidence is second nature to people who share the same shade Young Mary possesses. Unfortunately, after decades of other groups of people telling African Americans that their voices and stories should be silenced, forgotten, and deemed non-important; they begin to fall into the weak narrative. The African-American race did indeed exist over 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ was born and they had a perspective to Nativity as well. This fact is often unrecognized because filmmakers and playwrights who have brought this story to life represent their work with mirrors of themselves and their physical appearance. Black people should be seen, heard, and loved because they are capable, human, and filled with faith! Twenty-four artists; some veterans while others are emerging right here from Milwaukee, came together and took on the challenge of using song, dance, poetry, and acting to share this story from none other than an all-black perspective.

Mission accomplished!

“Creatively Black Nativity will take audiences on a heartwarming journey of familial love, faith, and the creation of new family traditions and norms. Audiences will be inspired by relatable, but current family stories, a home reminiscent of Christmas, and entranced by a dreamlike vision of Bethlehem.” Artistic director, Wanyah Franzier, stated while describing the setting of this year’s

production of Black Nativity. During past years the setting of Black Nativity has been modern-day inner cities and neighborhoods that are associated with struggle and neglect such as one of the city’s most known neighborhoods: Sherman Park. I believe the setting this year was not as specific as previous productions because Jordan and Franzier’s purpose was to make it as easy as possible for each person in the audience to see themselves in one or more of the artists on stage. Creating a specific setting such as a city or neighborhood would have put constraints and other limitations onto the audience and the message would not have been as transparent. The stage was meant to transform into any area of living where black people are existing, thriving, struggling, and finding their way to become faithful and proud of the spirit they each embody! Can you think of a place that symbolizes home during tribulations and celebrations? Or a place of peace and unity amongst one another?

Church. This is the #1 Family Feud answer. If only Steve Harvey could pop out and give you a brand new car.

Both the physical and emotional community of the Black Church was the focal point throughout the entirety of the play. Many people associate the Black Church with gospel music, interactive sermons, and freedom of expression during service. Not only is it the birthplace of where many faithful lives are born but it’s also a place that provides a sense of comfort and gratitude through

the unity of African-American people before Jesus could walk. Yellow and brown hues with African prints reflected onto the Vogel Hall’s stage representing the church. The performers uplifted and motivated Young Mary how perfect and courageous her son would be one day. On the other hand, these are where everyday people began sharing their grievances of how difficult it is to struggle daily feeling as if they have absolutely nobody to turn to but a higher power

{God}. This list went on and on from losing loved ones too frequently, financial struggles, and inferiority, to being on the verge of losing faith altogether. Jordan immediately thought of the Black Church when brainstorming the lens and setting of the 2024 Black Nativity showcase because she felt it was the most relatable setting to any and everyone in the black community. Everybody has been to church at least once or knows someone who practically goes to church so often it’s their second home. This became the element during the play where Mary and Joseph were often comforted and where smooth R&B musical performances were shared to symbolize safety and belonging.

Lack of representation has always been in the shadows of whispers when it comes to all aspects of the entertainment industry from music to film and television. It wasn’t until the weekend of December 5-8th that I witnessed the true importance of the significance representation holds. Shades of black and brown faces scattered around in the audience with tears, laughs, and a standing ovation had received the message this year’s creative team of Black Nativity wanted to cultivate throughout the city of Milwaukee. I realized that when I am entertained by people, sounds and movements that are involved in my everyday life; it hits home and lasts longer in my memory. Black Nativity taught me that the African-American perspective should be used and discussed more often than it has been the past few centuries. 

Need a way to entertain the kiddos next Christmas? Want your family or you to become involved in next year’s production? CW Fam you better check out Black Nativity next year during the first week of December 2025. Click here and check out their website 

I can assure you that you’ll recognize your favorite aunt, nephew, neighbor or even yourself while watching. It’s no feeling like having someone who shares your same roots and environment to pour out all of the emotions and thoughts they have about historical and current events happening right now in MKE. 

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

Get in on the act of BLACK NATIVITY 2021

*Info Provided by Black Arts MKE

We all could use a little joy and hope in our lives right now! I encourage you to check out the beloved holiday musical Black Nativity by Black Arts MKE that runs one weekend only – December 9-12, 2021, at the Marcus Center's Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall. This year is a brand-new show, with a new Director, new music, new choreography, and a new cast! More info: www.blackartsmke.org

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#SupportTheLocal

Besides being a great stage act to indulge in this holiday season, Black Nativity 2021 also showcases talent from some of our favorite creatives including:

Director, Dimonte Henning [From CopyWrite Mag Issue 18, “Glory of the Seat” fashion spread]

Choreographer, Christopher Gilbert [From CopyWrite Mag Issue 6, creative feature]

Stylist, Vato Vergara & Kyndal J [From of /CW fashion department]

See more of the great line up bellow!

Need a sneak peak? We got that for you too!

Want tickets? Click Here & Don’t forget to tell them /CW sent you!