Jackson State University’s Holiday Season kicks off Tuesday, Dec. 2, with Holiday Under The Stars — a much-anticipated annual event for kids featuring Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
JSU’s Gibbs-Green Plaza will become a holiday wonderland from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring refreshments and family activities including holiday crafts, caroling, musical guests, train rides for kids and a tree lighting ceremony.
“The holiday season is a time for family, and this is JSU’s way of welcoming the community into our family,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers. “We want to create joyful memories.”
Children and adults can take pictures with Santa and listen to holiday stories told by Mrs. Claus — who bears a marked resemblance to President Meyers.
The event at the corner of John R. Lynch and Dalton Streets is free and open to the public.
On Thursday, the play “Black Nativity” by renowned poet, playwright and social activist Langston Hughes opens at Rose E. McCoy auditorium.
Hailed as an inspiring, uplifting, soul-stirring, roof-raising musical celebration of the Christmas story,” the play was written by Hughes in 1961.
It tells the Christmas story through gospel song, poetry and dance and has been hailed as “an uplifting experience the entire family can enjoy.”
Admission is $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 general admission.
Tickets may be picked up beforehand at the box office in the auditorium lobby or online: https://www.jsums.edu/speechcomm/productions/upcoming-productions/black-nativity-dec-4-7-2014/
The play runs through Sunday, Dec. 7 — when JSU’s Annual Winter Concert features ‘Messiah’ by George Frederick Handel.
To be presented at the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium, the the 7:30 p.m. musical event will be performed by the JSU Chorale and JSU Singers with Willenham Cortez Castilla conducting, and the Jackson State University Choir with Dr. Loretta Galbreath conducting. They will be assisted by the JSU String Ensemble with Rachel Jordan conducting.
Special guests will be the Murrah High School Concert Singers with Pierrdro Gallion conducting and the Lanier High School Concert Choir with Conesha Barron conducting.
The public is invited to this free event. For more information, call 601-979-2141.