Photo courtesy of the Theater Alliance
The Theater Alliance production of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity returns to the H Street Playhouse for the second year. The Playhouse is firmly establishing a new holiday tradition for the DC metro area. Originally written by Hughes, the play was first performed on Broadway in 1961. The story retells the birth of Christ by blending a mix of spirituals, poetry and dance. The Black Nativity captures the worship experience and is a nice holiday musical.
The Theater Alliance adds a new spin to this familiar story that was set in Africa by incorporating music performed by a live band ranging from blues and gospel to jazz music. While liturgical dance and dynamic performance are sprinkled throughout Black Nativity, the highlights of the play were the singers. The vocal strength was evident — it was breathtaking, especially during the birth of Christ scene. For an example Mary’s contractions are echoed through the use of African instruments. Mary was portrayed by Avalon Bobb-Brown. Bobb-Brown’s dance performance was very powerful no matter where you were sitting in the audience; she no doubt draws you into the play.
Black Nativity by Langston Hughes is directed by Stephawn Stephens. He worked under the late director Vinnette Carroll who staged the original 1961 off-Broadway production of Black Nativity. Stephen’s applied the teaching of Carroll by simplifying the show, deemphasizing theatrics and focusing on telling the story.
The play includes two acts: Black Nativity and Gospel Celebration. In the second act, the cast performs Hughes’ poems and prayers.
On stage: William D. Bennett Jr., Iyona Blake, Avalon Bobb-Brown, LaSharon Johnson, Sherice Johnson, Charles McCollough, Nicholas D. Packer, Nova Payton, Robert Person, Stephawn Stephens, Pam Ward and Rodni Williams.
The remaining Black Nativity performances are as follows: Dec 26, 3pm & 8pm; Dec 29, 8pm; Dec 30, 8pm; Jan 1, 3pm; Jan 2, 3pm & 8pm
Ticket prices: $35 general/$25 students and seniors/$40 groups 10 over
Tickets and information at theateralliance.com or 202-399-7993 ext 2
All shows are at the H Street Playhouse, 1365 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20002.
Black Nativity, which runs through January 2, is a joyful way to celebrate the holiday. For more detail, click here.
Last year’s The Hill is Home review of the Black Nativity can be found here.