The Asante Children’s Theatre of Indianapolis (ACT), celebrating 27 years of changing lives through
performing arts, presents “Christmas Like It’s 1999 – A Tribute to the 90s”. Directed by Founding
Artistic Director Deborah Asante and Assistant Director Kimberly Dickerson, this holiday concert and
food drive will run for only 2 days. Both shows start at 7pm Friday December 2nd at The Schrott Center
for the Arts (located on the campus of Butler University) and Saturday December 3rd at the Madame
Walker Theatre.
“Christmas Like It’s 1999” blends the talent of the Prep4Life, Academy and ACT4Adult programs which
will highlight music icons of the decade like Prince, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Angie Stone, and
The Fugees to name a few. Audiences will be taken down memory lane as all the style and flair of the
90s are showcased without missing a beat.
“Christmas Like It’s 1999” uses the backdrop of the 90s to bring holiday cheer with a medley of holiday
classics fused with Jazz riffs and Gospel harmonies composed by Music Director Mark Duerson. It will
also feature a comedy skit about the holidays and the Martin University Community Choir will lend
their extraordinary collection of voices with a special guest performance.
The creative team for this production is rounded out by some of the most impressive talents in
Indianapolis. ACT Alums Makeda Lands, LeToriya Gowdy Josh Short and Teneh Karimu are the
Prep4life facilitators who direct the youngest members of the group. Austin Day and Jarrett Weathers
are the amazing duo behind the jaw dropping dances of the Academy.
According to Gleaners, 1 in 8 people in Central and Southeast Indiana struggle with hunger and food
insecurity. The Asante Children’s theatre will use this holiday concert as an opportunity to collect
canned goods and non-perishable items for Gleaners Food Bank. Food items will be collected on both
days at the door.