CultureShift: New original musical hopes to put Detroit in the holiday spirit

One Sleepy Night-Detroit is a brand new Christmas musical premiering Wednesday at the Black-owned Garden Theater in Detroit. The musical will follow a recently retired Grandpa Benny Wilson and his wife Latoya, as they tell the story of Christmas to their grandchild Shantelle.  

Music Director and Co-Composer Red Campbell, and Director, Co-Producer and Co-Writer John Sloan III, are leading the charge.

The show, described as a “Christmas musical with a Detroit vibe,” features 16 original songs performed by a 20-person cast, with original choreography by native Detroiter Carollette Phillips.

Sloan says it will be an amazing experience to perform a Black story in a Black space.

“I get sick of people talking about my city that I’m from….and the folks that are behind this production are all Detroiters,” Sloan said. “All the work that we’ve got coming into this is poured in, and it’s heartfelt.”

The performers include Jonathan Jones as Grandpa Benny Wilson, Val Ward as Grandma LaToya, Kristian Fountain as Mary, X Alexander as Joseph, Madison Coates as Jophiel the Angel of the Lord Trainee, and Kenny Watson, as Gabriel.

One Sleepy Night – Detroit opens for preview performances Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 6-7, with opening night on Friday, Dec. 8, and afternoon and evening shows on Saturday, Dec. 9. For tickets and more information, visit onesleepynight.com.

Listen: Interview with Director, Co-Producer and Co-Writer John Sloan III about One Sleepy Night – Detroit opening at the Garden Theater