The Gift You Need To See! A Virtual Black Christmas Play
The holidays do not only call for classic Christmas films but also timeless plays like The Nutcracker but during a time like this most theater lovers have missed their favorite Christmas experiences. The vibrant experience of being up close to actors and a holiday story is hard to replicate but thankfully we have an alternative for you with this Christmas play, The Gift: A Family Christmas!
Bring a new family tradition into your home this year with this stage play that you can enjoy from the comforts of your home on Sunday, 12/13 at 8pm ET. You can tune into the play through the VEEPS streaming platform that was created to help artists continue to give their fans live performances safely. The Reel Effect had the pleasure of speaking to the Show-runner, Chris Cobb about The Gift: A Family Christmas and what inspired the story, check the full interview out below.
Meah Denee Barrington: What inspired you to put together this play?
Chris Cobb: I'm not sure anything really inspired me to put on this particular show. I saw this opportunity to prove to myself that I could really achieve something that I have always wanted for myself. I had done plays before, but none of them required me to stretch myself this far creatively. I really wanted to prove to myself that I could write an entire show from scratch. That's the most amazing thing about writers in my opinion, their ability to pull and create an entire world out of thin air.
MDB: Can you tell me more about the storyline and how this play is different?
CC: Without giving too much away, #TGAFC is about the trial and tribulations that all families go through. While your family may not have gone through what the Washington family goes through in the play. I can guarantee that you will still identify with many of the problems that arise throughout the story. It invites you on a rollercoaster of emotions as family members tackle matters of the heart involving sisterhood, acceptance, and discovering oneself. This play shows that God is still in the business of miracles even in the 21st Century, while uncovering the true meaning of love.
MDB: What can viewers expect to enjoy from The Gift?
CC: Viewers can expect many emotions while watching the show. There will be parts when you will be laughing out loud, then crying and parts that will even make you angry. By the end of the show, the goal is for everyone to have a moment of reflection and really think about the things that really matter in life; one of those things being unconditional love towards family.
MDB: What do you think is the biggest message The Gift tells?
CC: I think the biggest message to take away from the #TGAFC is that God is LOVE and love conquers all!
MDB: Who has influenced your writing style the most? I know you mentioned Tyler Perry but are there any other playwrights that inspire you?
CC: I am heavily influenced by Tyler Perry. He was the first person to show me that I can actually have a career where I am able to live my dreams, while keeping God at the forefront. Aside from Tyler Perry, David E. Talbert is another great playwright I am inspired by. I am also a huge fan of Broadway Musicals, so shows like Wicked, Hairspray, Memphis, Chicago and many more have definitely inspired me.
MDB: Why is this virtual performance so important to you and the viewers?
CC: This virtual event is so important to me because I really want to convey the message that dreams can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Despite us being in the midst of a global pandemic we as creatives can still be great. So if I can do this, you can do this. You can literally do anything you put your mind to as long as you keep God first. Nothing or no one can stop you, not even COVID-19.
Go ahead and set your calendars for Sunday, December 13th at 8pm EST to watch The Gift: A Family Christmas on Veeps streaming platform.
