Meet Aunt Pearlie Sue!
The full-stage, original musical, Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish….Freedom Coming, is intended for people of all ages and races who want to catch the holiday spirit. This musical theatre presentation will be held on Friday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort’s Performing Arts Center.
The production stars Aunt Pearlie Sue, nationally acclaimed storyteller, and her Gullah Kinfolk, a professional singing cast of 20 members, who bring history alive on stage. This musical performance depicts the last Christmas before the Civil War. It’s an historical account of December of 1860 and South Carolina has just seceded from the Union. The War or Freedom is the talk by both servant and master. The audience will get a glimpse into the “Quarters” and “Big House.”
Through soul-stirring, foot-stopping singing and dancing, the audience is drawn into the excitement of the Yuletide season on a South Carolina Sea Island plantation. The show has become a holiday favorite with travelers near and far who wish to experience the spirit of the season. People have traveled from as far as London, England to see this performance.
The night will start with a “Taste of Gullah” as the doors open around 6:45. There will be tables of food form 8 different caterers on hand to choose from. The assortment will be anything from chicken to rice dishes to collard greens and gumbo…..along with some mouth-watering pies and cakes…..anything you would find on a Gullah Christmas dinner table.
There will also be a market place where local artisans will be showcasing their wares. The market place will feature paintings, jewelry, baskets and other items, all available at special Christmas pricing.
At 8:15, the curtains go up and the show begins! See history come alive on stage. Experience the excitement of what was going on at Christmas time on the plantations of the Low Country.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Admission is $10 for those aged 7 to 17. Ticket prices include the “ Taste of Gullah” Soul Food Buffet and the “Da’ Market Place” Artists Showcase.
For reservations and information on hotel and meal packages, contact the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at (843) 986-1102 or www.bcbcc.org or the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce at (843)525-8500 or www.beaufortchamber.org.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Community Circle of Hope Coalition’s Youth Program.
The performance lifts off the holidays in historic downtown Beaufort in conjunction with other annual events, including the popular Night on the Town from 6 to 9 p.m. December 7, Light up the Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. December 8 and Beaufort’s annual Christmas parade at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 9. For more information on these events, contact www.downtownbeaufort.com.
