When one thinks of Christmas stageplays – traditional themes of love, worship and joyfulness often come to mind. However, this would not be the case with The Jones Family Christmas stageplay. This Christmas rendition would be all about drama!
The Jones Family Christmas premiered at The Russell Theater in Louisville, Ky for three shows on December 6th and 7th.
With his debut production – 26 year-old Ervin Webster Jr., decides to defy all traditional Christmas themes by delivering a dysfunctional family crime thriller – and the audience appeared to absolutely love every moment of it.
“With this play I wanted to address the inner dealings of bitterness and getting past things… So, starting that process of just letting things go, moving forward, being a new a person and just letting bitterness go.” – Ervin Webster Jr.
The Jones Family Christmas is an eclectic mesh of spirituality, infidelity, greed, murder and love. With so many plot twists & turns – the audience had no choice but to remain on the edge of their seats with constant chants of “Ooh”, “Ah” and “Oh”.
Throughout it’s nearly two-hour journey – The Jones Family Christmas masterfully addresses race relations, poor decision making and revenge – under the guise of a humorous, suspenseful musical.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones (played by Garrick Anderson and Ebony Hughes) are the African-American parents of four adult children: Chris, Derrick, Alexis and Amy. All of their children are now living away from home but as a family tradition – they always return to spend the Christmas holiday with family. However, this year all the children are returning with enough drama to destroy the family ties forever.
During the opening few scenes, Chris (played by Jonah Canon) is introduced to the audience, as he brings his new girlfriend Carla (played by Jericah Greene) home for Christmas. It immediately becomes obvious that despite having two black parents – Chris is fully Caucasian. Whispers of curiosity rumble throughout the audience before it becomes apparent that he was adopted by the Jones’ at a very young age.
Derrick and his wife Jessica (played by Antjuan Darrisaw and Lauren Hightower) are the bickerers of the family. Their marriage seems to thrive on chaos but this time things have spiraled out of control. Despite secretly battling issues resulting from Jessica recently having an extramarital affair – the couple still make it home to spend Christmas with family. However, Derrick’s anger over the incident appears to be driving them rapidly towards divorce.
Daughter Alexis (played by Asia Sheree Peeples) arrives at home for Christmas an emotional wreck, due to the recent death of her husband. This is her first Christmas without him and she’s struggling with all her might – to keep her sanity.
On the bright side, Amy (played by Janelle Drayton) returns home from college with her amazing boyfriend Brian (played by Gregory Knox Jr.). Brian is educated, polite and seems to absolutely Adore Amy.
Despite the multitude of issues the children are dealing with – Mr. & Mrs. Jones are fully embodied with Christmas spirit and manage to spread that same joy to their children. As the family participates in decorating the Christmas tree and preparing Christmas dinner – they rely on faith and love to overcome all of the adversities that they are currently facing.
All seems to be well within the Jones’ residence until the ghost of Christmas past comes knocking at the door – literally. Detective Fletcher (played by Stephanie Michelle Collins) interrupts the family celebration by showing up at the door with some questions for Mr. Jones.
Apparently, Greg Williams, a close friend of Mr. Jones was murdered nearly two decades prior and police are following new leads.
Despite someone currently serving time in prison for the shooting – the investigation has been reopened due to Mr. Jones’ fingerprints being found on the gun that was used in the murder. Detective Williams escorts Mr. Jones to the police station for questioning but releases him after a few short hours.
Upon arriving home, Mr. Jones is encountered by his daughter Alexis – who wants answers. Mr. Jones explains that when he and her mother were starting out as young parents, they were extremely poor.
Out of desperation, Mr. Jones decided to make some quick cash by accompanying his drug dealer friend Greg Williams, on a deal to purchase drugs from his supplier. Jones was hoping to get paid for a one-time deal and never involve himself in illegal activity again.
Unfortunately, while attempting to make the drug deal, Greg Williams is robbed and murdered for a large amount of cash. Mr. Jones explains to his daughter that during the shooting, the murderer dropped his gun and he picked it up to defend himself. That’s how his fingerprints had gotten on the gun.
Mr. Jones makes his daughter Amy promise not to reveal any of this information to his wife or the rest of the family. He would tell them that police were only questioning him because he was Gregory Williams’ best friend – and it is standard protocol.
Relieved and happy to be back home – Mr. Jones rejoins his family in setting the table for their Christmas dinner. After the table is set and the family bows their heads in prayer, Amy’s boyfriend Brian pulls a gun from under his clothing and points it directly at the head of Mr. Jones.
He reveals that he is the son of Gregory Williams and is only dating Amy so that he can have the opportunity to avenge his father’s death. He blames Mr. Jones for not helping his father and allowing him to die.
After several tense moments of silence – Derrick is able to distract Brian and slam him to the ground – before he is able to harm anyone. The gun hits the floor and Chris quickly scoops it up and secures it. The audience celebrates loudly at this moment. Several people are shouting unpleasant words at Brian, while praising Derrick for his heroics.
Coincidentally, Detective Fletcher determines that Mr. Jones’ story checks out, so she decides to close the investigation. She personally stops by the Jones residence to deliver the good news, just moments after Brian has been slammed to the ground and subdued. After being informed of the situation, she arrests Brian and takes him into custody.
The family begins processing the entire ordeal and attempts to transition back into their holiday celebration mindset. Mr. Jones even expresses his forgiveness of Brian, for nearly killing him.
But once Mr. and Mrs. Jones are alone, they privately celebrate getting away with the murder of Greg Williams and living a luxurious lifestyle with the stolen cash.
At this moment the audience erupts with their loudest outbursts of the production. They appear to be caught totally off guard – yet thoroughly entertained. Shouts of “We need a Part II” sound randomly throughout the theater.
Brad Harrison is a journalist/motivational speaker/entrepreneur and on-air personality. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with cum laude honors from the University of Louisville. In October 2015, he started UrbanMaxx Magazine to provide positive role models for Urban residents that reside in at-risk-communities and lack positive leadership in their lives.
For booking or advertising – contact Brad Harrison at bradharrison@urbanmaxx.com