Only a few days separate us from the impending month of mistletoe threatening to embarrass us in front of our loved ones, paper snowflakes that litter hole-punched circles and triangles all over the floor, wrapping paper that leaves paper cuts and glitter residue on our fingers, and, of course, holiday music. I know I sound like a Grinch, but holiday music is the key to getting any Grinch into the spirit.
Lar’Juanette Williams, executive director at Memphis Black Arts Alliance, puts it best, “The songs delve into the things that make us think of our favorite Christmas memories.” This season, Williams has conceived of the cabaret-style show, To All a Good Night, during which the cast of four will perform songs, written or recorded by African-American artists of the past and present.
One performer — Christian Kirk — will perform her father Sidney Kirk’s song, “I Hope That You’re Happy This Christmas.” A Stax musician, Sidney Kirk played keyboard for Isaac Hayes for a while.
“The show has a heavy Memphis influence,” Williams says. “Beale Street was it back in the day when it comes to music. All the African-American artists came to Memphis to work on Beale, and that’s where a lot of this music was unleashed. The show has a worldwide influence as well, since a lot of the music that was birthed here spread.”
This show marks the first partnership between Playhouse on the Square and the Memphis Black Arts Alliance. Opening this weekend, performances will run through December 22nd. Tickets can be purchased online at playhouseonthesquare.org.
To All A Good Night: A Holiday Cabaret, Circuit Playhouse, 51 S. Cooper, Friday, November 26th, 10 p.m., $27.
