When Black Broadway Tulsa puts on “A Christmas Story: The Play” in December, it’ll be a historic performance. The production is the first version of the play to have an all-Black cast, according to founder Obum Ukabam.
The iconic Christmas movie tells the story of a boy named Ralphie, a Red Ryder BB gun and his quirky family. And while the cast will look different than the film, Ukabam says he’ll keep some key elements intact.
“I always want to have our own spin on things,” he said. “It’s not going to be reimagined, but of course, we bring the culture in. We bring the diaspora … all the familiar things that come with it.”
The hilarious pieces remain, like Flick sticking his tongue on an icy cold flagpole on a “triple dog dare.” The Parker family lightheartedly replaces its disastrous turkey meal with a Chinese duck dinner at the only open restaurant. But the scenes will be shaped by the cast’s shared experience.
Black Broadway Tulsa cast mostly Central Middle and High School students for its production. The company is also working with Solid Foundation Preparatory Academy in north Tulsa.
“Together, these organizations are building a pipeline that gives young people and community members access to professional level stage training, technical experience and real performance opportunities,” Ukabam said.
While many Tulsans have historically enjoyed the holiday classics at local performing arts theaters, from “A Christmas Carol” to “The Nutcracker,” Ukabam said he’s excited to start a new tradition for north Tulsa.
“This story belongs to everyone,” he said. “Why not not make that a part of Christmas every year?”
Black Broadway’s goals aren’t limited to exposure to the arts. It’s also a workforce development program, training students for jobs where they may use their professional theater experience, from stagecraft to management.
“I have students that go to places like Target to become a guest service team lead because they were my team lead here, in charge of the front of the house, like ushers and VIP experience or concessions,” he said.
“A Christmas Story: The Play” will run Dec. 19-21 at the Maya Angelou Auditorium, 3101 W. Edison St. Tickets are available at www.blackbroadway.org.
