Hattiloo Theatre, a nonprofit Black stage production company in Memphis, will mount two shows for the holidays as part of its 20th repertory season, including “Elf the Musical Jr.” and Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity: O Sifuni Mungu.”
“Elf the Musical Jr.” features the Hattiloo Youth Theatre and will run Nov. 20 through Dec. 6, 2026. The musical follows Buddy, a young man raised by elves at the North Pole, as he travels to New York City in search of his birth father. Buddy is played by 16-year-old Cohen Cooper.
“We wanted young performers to have a place in our 20th season, not just as students learning theater, but actually getting onstage and sharing their talents with an audience,” said founder and CEO Ekundayo Bandele. “Elf the Musical Jr.” gives them that opportunity while also giving Hattiloo families something they can come enjoy together during the holidays.”
“Black Nativity: O Sifuni Mungu” (O praise God) is set for Dec. 11-13, 2026, at the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center at the University of Memphis and will feature the Hattiloo Mass Choir. Written by Langston Hughes and adapted by Patdro Harris, the gospel-driven production retells the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus. “Sifuni Mungu” in Swahili means “O Praise God.”
“Langston Hughes is an important part of the history of Black theater, and Hattiloo has always been committed to keeping work like his in front of our audiences,” Bandele said. “Patdro Harris has created a special adaptation for us that heightens the Afrocentric elements of ‘Black Nativity’ and makes it feel very much at home on the stage.”
Mary is played by Nicaria Dickerson and Joseph is played by LeAnthony Douglas, and the show is suitable for all ages
Visit hattiloo.org or call the box office at (901) 525-0009 for ticket information.
