Review: THE FIRST NOEL Lifts the Spirit at the Ensemble Theatre

The Ensemble Theatre brings us THE FIRST NOEL, a feel-great Christmas musical, decked with gospel music and joyful holiday tunes.

Written by Lelund Durond Thompson and Jason Michael Webb, THE FIRST NOEL is about family relationships, in particular a family that is broken-hearted and trying to pick up the pieces. Eight years ago Henry and Deloris lost their first-born little girl, Noel, at Christmas time. They name their next child Noel, in homage to her sister's memory. Deloris has never healed from the death of her first daughter and associates Christmas with mourning and loss. As a result, Noel (the second-born) has never had a Christmas tree in her home and struggles with confusion about her own place in her mother's heart.

It sounds like heavy stuff, but there is a very nice balance to THE FIRST NOEL. Our hearts break for Deloris and Henry, yet we see the possibilities for joy and redemption all around them. Henry is ready to heal and move forward, to be happy and live a full life. He secretly invites Deloris's estranged mother for the holidays - they haven't seen each other since the death of their daughter - and the story evolves to show us the power of forgiveness and the healing that comes from connection. The story is told with some "time traveling;" we first meet the adult Noel, then Noel as a child, with flashbacks of the first Noel before tragedy struck. It all works very well and is presented in a way that is interesting and crystal-clear.

Directed by renowned choreographer Patdro Harris, THE FIRST NOEL is perfectly paced and expertly staged. It is a generous presentation; the space at the Ensemble isn't huge and yet every performer is wired with his/her own microphone. Every word and lyric is heard. The production is staged in such a way that there are no "bad seats." Harris's choreography is joyful and fun, offsetting the more sorrowful content in the storyline.

Chika Kaba Ma'Atunde holds some golden reins as musical director. Gorgeous voices abound in this production and it's a delicious treat for the ears throughout the show, particularly if you love soul and gospel music. The cast as a whole is heavenly to listen to. There is no weak link in the song line-up, whether it's the charming and funny "Noel's Wish List" in which Noel rhapsodizes about getting a Walkman for Christmas, or the energized "Good Morning, NYC," or the very moving trio "Life Happens," sung by Henry, Deloris and the adult Noel. The second act pays homage to gospel music with "The House Of The Lord," "Welcome To Bethlehem" and a gorgeous arrangement of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." It is uplifting, healing music, perfect for the season.

Talented actors fill the principal roles. An'Gelle Sylvester is completely believable as a mother whose heart is shattered. (Get your tissues ready.) Sylvester has a natural, graceful quality on stage and is well-cast in the role of Deloris. As her husband Henry, Silvanus Latoison is a teddy-bear of a husband and father, trying to rebuild his family. Latoison's voice brings on the goose bumps, especially in "Life Happens." There is a scene in which Henry and Deloris are at their wits' end and the tension is coming to a climax. I would've liked to have seen more pain and frustration from Latoison at this point in the show, but generally he fits the bill as a man who is trying to put his family back together.

Orlanders Jones is comic relief as Skeeter, a fun-loving neighborhood character. Roenia Thompson is sweet and likable as adult Noel, walking down memory lane. Joanne Davis Jones plays a good crusty, rough-around-the-edges Lou, a woman who has no time for foolishness. Regina Hearne has serious star quality as the glamorous Ethel, the matriarch of the family. The children in the show are lovable without being cloying - hallelujah! Samaya Holmes is radiant as the first Noel, charming the audience as she dances beautifully with a glowing smile on her cute face. Jayla McDonald is spirited and confident as eight-year-old Noel. McDonald has great energy and a natural quality to her acting.

Costuming by Melissa Greggs has it's ups and downs. The yellow dress in the second act? Gorgeous under the lights! The silver hat that Ethel wears to church? Fabulous! But Deloris's sandals and light-weight summer dresses don't work for NYC in winter. I shivered for her.

LaDawn Jones does a gorgeous job with hair and makeup, with the exception of Lou's wig. It looks like a fuzzy hat. I thought it was a hat at first.

James V. Thomas's set is perfect, whether displaying Deloris and Henry's home or creating a street scene with panels evoking Harlem's brownstone neighborhoods.

With excellent vocals, a solid script and a moving message, THE FIRST NOEL is definitely worth seeing - maybe even crucial if your heart is hanging low.

THE FIRST NOEL will be playing through December 30. 3535 Main. For more information, please call 713-520-0055 or visit ensemblehouston.org.

Photo Credit: David Bray

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