The Classical Theatre of Harlem returns after a successful run last holiday season with The First Noel, in collaboration with the Apollo. This Harlem-based holiday musical features music that crosses genres—from pop to jazz to gospel — to tell a universal story of love and belonging. This presentation follows three generations of a Harlem family affected by the tragic loss of a loved one. Time is slow to heal this family’s wounds until an unexpected visit from Grandma reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. This story is about how a community is healed, one family at a time, as everyday people do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love during the holiday season.

Book, music and lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson (founder, YellaFella Entertainment and CTH Artistic Associate) and Jason Michael Webb (Broadway’s The Color Purple, Motown the Musical, Brooklyn Tabernacle). Steve H. Broadnax III (Dominique Morisseau’s Blood at the Root) serves as director and Brian Harlan Brooks (Motown: The Musical) as choreographer.