By Eva Trieger
Written by Dea Hurston, the show was devised and enhanced by the collaboration of Frankie Alicea-Ford, Kevin “Blax” Burroughs, and Milena Sellers Phillips. While the show is set in present-day Carlsbad and the Black family is celebrating Christmas, the messages are completely universal and familial. There is sibling rivalry, mother-in-law vs. daughter-in-law, arguments over which foods are acceptable and which are merely tolerated. You know, the usual family stuff.
Dorothy Black (Milena Phillips) has raised her two sons in her Carlsbad home, which she and husband James bought when redlining was a less obvious issue. The home was beyond their means but an obvious investment in their future and that of their sons. They looked to the family for help and were not disappointed. But that was 30 years ago and times have changed. James has passed on and Mamma B lives at 1222 Oceanfront on her own. James Jr (Kory Laquess Pullam), and his wife Aadya (Deja Fields) live in Los Angeles. Adopted son, Javier (Frankie Alicea-Ford) has also moved away with his lover, Brian (Durwood Murray). Yet, every year for Christmas the family comes to celebrate the holiday at the home of their youth. Only this year, Dotty has invited them, telling them she has an announcement to make. Even sister Lizzie (Portia Gregory) is kept in the dark about some of the changes afoot!
Music plays a large role in this fabulous family tale. Songs written by Milena Sellers as well as other familiar Christmas tunes have been adapted and directed by John-Mark McGaha. Choreography by Lesa M. Green is perfectly suited to each song, and the cast feels so natural and clearly feeds off of each other’s energy. I don’t know what early rehearsals looked like, but they ARE family!
A part of the mystery of Christmas Eve is represented in Black cowboy and postman, Victor (Victor Morris). At the risk of giving too much away, I’ll simply say he is a co-worker of Aunt Lizzie’s at the post office. Nod nod, wink wink. Each exchange between family members feels real and almost memorable so that even before intermission audience members are anticipating the stuffed collards, Christmas lasagna and cannolis, and of course, the limoncello.
1222 Oceanfront A Black Family Christmas runs through December 26th, 2021, but do yourself a favor and go see it now! This show ushers in so many wonderful and authentically happy moments that we are all in need of right now!
Tickets are available at newvillagearts.org or by calling 760.433.3245
*
Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com