‘Auntee Explains Christmas’ @ Jubilee Theatre
—Rickey Wax
As the holiday season rolls in, it’s always the lights, music, and laughter that remind us of what truly matters. This year, Jubilee Theatre’s Auntee Explains Xmas, performed at the historic W.E. Scott Theatre in Fort Worth, offers a festive farewell to a beloved venue with a heartwarming production that wraps its audience in joy like a well-tied bow. This performance marks the final show at the W.E. Scott Theatre before it undergoes a $30 million renovation.
Written by Jubilee Theatre’s late founder Rudy Eastman, with music originally composed by Joe Rogers, the show is directed with great precision by Jubilee artistic head D. Wambui Richardson. And Auntee doesn’t just celebrate Christmas—it celebrates community, legacy, and the enduring power of storytelling.
At the center of the tale is Idabell Washington, affectionately known as Auntee, played with unrelenting charm by Crystal Williams. Auntee is the larger-than-life matriarch we all know and love—the one who holds her family together with equal parts sass, wisdom, and, of course, her famous sweet potato pie. Williams commands the stage, delivering sharp comedic timing one moment and heartfelt emotion the next, anchoring the production with warmth and authenticity.
The ensemble cast brings the holiday chaos of family gatherings to life with stories that are as outrageous as they are relatable—from Kyle Spears who shines as Buddy Shepherd, recounting his story of being abducted by aliens, to Odessa (Jayden Russell), the wild card relative who keeps everyone laughing at her unpredictable antics. The entire cast is equally brilliant in their comedic delivery, and their vocal talents shine out in every musical number. Particularly notable is Robert Rouse, affectionately dubbed “the OG,” one of the seasoned performers of Jubilee Theatre.
The vocal arrangements and harmonies are spectacular, ranging from the playful to the soul-stirring. Traditional holiday melodies are reimagined with clever twists, making them feel fresh and alive. The show opens with Silent Night, the song transitioning into a vibrant medley enriched by the rhythmic pulse of African drums, adding a cultural depth that is celebratory. The 12 Weeks of Shopping hilariously captures the frenzied chaos of holiday consumerism, while the cheeky Auntee Clause Is Coming to Town showcases the cast’s comedic chops.
Yet amidst the laughter, the production never loses sight of its central message: the true meaning of Christmas lies in spending time with those you love, and being grateful for what you have. This sentiment resonates deeply, particularly during the stirring performance of Carol of the Bells. For this song, lighting designer Colin M. Schwartz transforms the stage into a festive spectacle, with a Christmas tree lighting sequence that earned audible gasps from the audience.
Lasheena Gordan’s angelic soprano takes center stage in a stunning performance of O Holy Night that swiftly transitions into the sound of a church revival, with Janette Robison leading a rousing rendition of Go Tell It on the Mountain.
In Auntee Explains Xmas, Jubilee Theatre has crafted a production that is a celebration of the holiday season. As Auntee says, “It ain’t about what you have, it’s about what you share.” So…why not tell your loved ones about this show? It is a gift for anyone lucky enough to see it—and a fitting farewell to a space that holds countless memories for the community. After all, the holidays are about coming together—and Auntee Explains Xmas reminds us why that matters.
WHEN: December 6-December 15, 2024
WHERE: Fort Worth Comm. Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St, Fort Worth
WEB: www.jubileetheatre.org
