BWW Preview: HOLIDAY JUBILEE Returns to Crossroads Featuring a Gospel Fest 12/11 to 12/20

Crossroads Theatre Company presents the sixth annual "Holiday Jubilee," an original musical celebration of the season, this year featuring the sounds of soaring gospel music along with traditional favorites, from December 11 to 20.

The idea of a recurring holiday show with a changing storyline was conceived by Crossroads' Producing Artistic Director Marshall Jones III, who also directs the undergraduate BA in theater program at Rutgers' Mason Gross School of the Arts.

Rick Sordelet, the prolific and award-winning Broadway fight director, returns to direct "Holiday Jubilee" for the sixth straight year.

Each year, "Holiday Jubilee" has a new storyline interwoven with a variety of musical numbers, from traditional holiday favorites to contemporary rock and pop. This year, the cast's powerful voices will bring the joyous sounds of gospel music to audiences, and as always, the show will feature its popular audience-participation number.

"Our goal is to give the community a holiday tradition for the family where each year, we have something new to offer," said Jones.

This year's cast features new and returning performers, including Stephen Agosto, Marc Bailey, Jason Barrameda, Martin Carpenter, Alexis Hill, Karizma Kishnani, Shakira Jones, Joy LeBlanc, Gail DeSandies, Timothy Walton.

Jeanel LeBlanc, who has performed in "Holiday Jubilee" in past years, is serving as its musical director.

Founded in 1978 by Ricardo Khan and L. Kenneth Richardson, Crossroads Theatre Company embraces the vision that African-American theater is intended for a broad-based, diverse audience. As a major force in the development of new ideas and the introduction of formerly marginalized writers, Crossroads produces works that enrich and diversify the representation of African American culture on the American stage.

The show will be presented at 7 p.m., Dec. 11, 17, 18; 8 p.m., Dec. 12 and 19; and 3 p.m., Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20. Tickets: $30; $5 for students; children under 12 are free with adult admission. Purchase online at crossroadstheatrecompany.org or call (732) 545-8100. Crossroads Theatre Company is located at 7 Livingston Ave.

Photo: Courtesy of Crossroads Theatre Company