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Classical Theatre of Harlem's "The First Noel - A Musical" Opens the Christmas Season Uptown

Posted November 21, 2016 by The Harlem Eye

After an overwhelming positive response at The Apollo last year with Harlem-based musical, The First Noel, The Classical Theatre of Harlem shines once again, but this time on the Apollo’s main stage.

The First Noel tells a story of a young girl, Noel, and her family spanning three generations. It illustrates the struggles of overcoming a tragic loss of a family member and tells the universal story of love and belongingness.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Christmas story brings musical theater to the Apollo Theater with an infusion of pop, jazz and gospel. “[The collaboration with CTH] is part of a larger vision of the Apollo for the future,” says Kamila Forbes, Executive Director of the Apollo. “We are looking at where we want to take the Apollo in the future and expanding our aesthetic region to music, musical theater and performance beyond concert and music presentation.”

Forbes believes this story is at the core of a one of a kind Christmas story in Harlem, “[This story is] truly reflective of the Harlem community and what’s happening today. The message is extremely universal,” she exclaims.

Ty Jones, Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Producing Artistic Director, also sees this as an opportunity to bring more attention to musical theater uptown, especially after feedback he received following last year’s production. “Audience members went home after this play and immediately called their family members and reconnected. If that’s what the power of story can do, then we need to do more of it.”

The show opens on December 10 with performances through December 18.

 

Where to Buy Tickets

In person, visit the Apollo Theater Box Office

By phone, call Ticketmaster: (800) 745-3000

Online: Ticketmaster.com

 

The First Noel

Apollo Theater
253 West 125^th Street
New York, NY

(Contributor: Stephanie Collado for Harlem One Stop)