A Christmas tradition for many at Intiman Theatre

Review: Black Nativity at Intiman Theatre

Black Nativity, Langston Hughes’ gospel song-dance play of celebration, has returned to the Intiman Theatre for its last season. The production has outgrown the current space. So next year the play will be at a different, still unknown venue.

A couple of things that theatergoers can count on when taking part in this joyous show. The superb singing and the soulful music of Pastor Patrinell Wright along with the Total Experience Gospel Choir. With the first song by Ms. Wright, as she walks down the steps to the stage singing “Joy to the World” and she stops along the way to talk and visit with the audience. Right then, at that moment, you know it’s going to be a gooood time. Then marvel at the choreography by the Kabby Mitchell. Band members playing from the different area churches lifts up the action and provides a perfect blend between the dancers and the singing.

Langston Hughes’ play is so rich in telling the black gospel celebration of the Birth of Christ. The cast including so many singers, dancers and band members is all very diverse and through their interpretation tells the story: a story of how before Jesus was born Mary and Joseph could not find a place to stay, how they are turned away, snubbed and scorned by the people in town and how they end up in a manger for his birth. We know the story, but this experience of watching it unfold with gospel songs, such as “This Little Light of Mine” and “We Three Kings of Orient are”; is so familiar in any black church you might attend on given Sunday. The telling of the tale moves along with the help of a couple of narrators that interweave through Call and Response.

The dancers in the first half of the show had a number of flawless dance numbers. The one that stood out for me was of them in their colorful African pattern outfits. They did a dance number that you can just picture with swinging hips and arms at a slant; something you might expect at an African village celebration. The only thing missing were the drums.

After a short intermission, we are in church with the choir robes and jazzy costumes for the dancers. Preaching, singing, dancing and giving comment to the current world situation; it’s all part of being at the Intiman Church. Too many cast members to mention everyone who performed so well, as all are excellent veterans of the theatre. And so many highlights throughout the evening performance. Before you know it you are on your feet and clapping. Black Nativity is a Christmas tradition that you can count on to deliver.

Black Nativity play through December 30, 2009. Tickets are just $25 before December 13 and $50 after with discounts for seniors and kids. For more info, visit www.intiman.org

– Ethel W.