See and hear Christmas like never before, and celebrate the holiday season on December 23 for a one-night-only performance of The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy, presented by three-time Grammy Award-winning group, Sounds of Blackness.
Minnesota’s acclaimed Sounds of Blackness ensemble will present its 46th annual show at 7 p.m. at the Pantages Theatre. The show promises to be entertainment like no other, blending soulful performances with a holiday twist.
The production features a mix of traditional and original music, accompanied by a 10-piece orchestra and a cast of 25 talented performers. Attendees can expect everything from rapping reindeer and dancing chitlins to singing socks and a soulful Santa and Mrs. Claus. With surprise guests, hilarious dialogue and special performances by artists such as the Hearst family and the local vocal group None Above, the show is a festive spectacle filled with joy and energy.
“It’s Christmas like you’ve never seen before,” said Gary Hines, songwriter and executive director of Sounds of Blackness. “We’ve got roof-raising songs, hilarious characters, and heartfelt moments that bring home the true spirit of the holiday.”
Sounds of Blackness has been captivating audiences since 1978 with this unique take on the Christmas classic poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. The poem was first published anonymously in 1823 in the Sentinel, the local newspaper of Troy, New York.
Thirteen years later, Moore took credit for its authorship, but many believe it was actually penned by New York writer, Henry Livingston. It was later published in Moore’s book titled “Poems” in 1844.
For Sheletta Brundidge, a local radio host and community advocate who typically travels out of state to see family for the holidays, this year’s performance is personal. “I’ve been telling my mama and daddy they need to fly in because I refuse to miss it again!” Brundidge shared enthusiastically. “My family is excited to be there.”
Hines, who has been at the helm of Sounds of Blackness for decades, shared that each year’s production brings fresh energy to the stage. “We contemporize the show every year, updating the songs, costumes, and even the dialogue. We always keep it full of surprises, so even longtime fans have something new to look forward to,” he said.
While maintaining the foundation of the beloved Christmas poem, The Night Before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy infuses it with an urban, Black comedic twist. The show, directed by Jamecia Bennett and choreographed by Carrie Harrington, has a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans, and Hines credits the local community for supporting Sounds of Blackness for over five decades.
“This is the 53rd anniversary of Sounds of Blackness, and we are so grateful for the love and support we’ve received from the Twin Cities and the entire state of Minnesota,” said Hines.
Despite the group’s impressive history, Hines says the cast puts just as much heart and preparation into each year’s show. Rehearsals, which started back in September, include everything from music sessions to full choreography and stage blocking.
With the show selling out nearly every year, fans are encouraged to grab their tickets early. “Once the tickets are gone, they’re gone,” Brundidge warned listeners of her radio show, urging longtime fans and newbies to Minnesota to purchase tickets now so they don’t miss out.
Visit HennepinArts.org for more information about the show. To purchase tickets online, visit ticketmaster.com or purchase tickets in-person at the State Theatre Box Office, 805 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Comments