The Theater Alliance kicked off its ninth season with Langston Hughes' Black Nativity, a classic re-telling of the Christmas story. The production, directed by Stephawn Stephens, transformed the stage at the H Street Playhouse in Washington, DC into a finely woven tapestry, captivating the audience with exuberant and exhilarating song and dance.
Act I tells the story of the birth of Jesus and is filled with rich gospel, blues, funk, jazz music and dance, with griot-style story telling from the ensemble cast. Tony Thomas (Joseph) and Kiera Turner (Mary) bring electricity to the story as they gracefully dance to "No Room at the Inn,” illustrating the couple's desperation and efforts to find shelter.
There are humorous moments as the couple meets interesting characters along the way. Comical encounters at places like “Sasha Fierce Hair Salon” and “Hylemai Harem Hideaway” kept the audience laughing. However, Turner’s emotive dance while illustrating Mary’s labor is a moving moment that transports the watcher to that pivotal night in Bethlehem.
In Act II, the cast performs gospel songs with the fervor of a church revival. The soul-stirring renditions of spirituals and gospel hits sprinkled the atmosphere with electricity and energy. Many in the audience were moved as they clapped their hands in rhythm and lifted their hands in praise. The stage was transformed into a church and the audience became its congregants.
Artistic Director Colin Hovde and Managing Director Lee Daugherty were thrilled with the cast and creative team of Black Nativity. “The Opening Night performance on December 5 was a powerful, joyful culmination of the rehearsal process, and I am looking forward to sharing this celebratory event with audiences throughout the month of December,” Daugherty said.
Theater Alliance board member Robert E. Person has performed in all three productions of Black Nativity and theatergoers will not want to miss his performance of James Cleveland’s “Peace Be Still. Sherice Pace’s emotive rendition of “Thank You” by Richard Smallwood or Rafealito Ross’ closing performance of Walter Hawkins’ “Jesus Christ is the Way” are compelling. LaSharon Buttercup Johnson, Krislynn Perry and Elton L. Pittman delivered standout performances as well. Musical Director Michael Terry managed to pull together a group of talented actors, singers and dancers. He fully utilized the talents of musicians Vanshawn Agnew, Latonya Wrenn and Joseph Chisolm.
This year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Black Nativity and the Theater Alliance’s production of this celebrated production is certainly a must-see. Black Nativity runs December 3-31, 2011 at the H Street Playhouse, Wednesdays - Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 4pm. There will be no 8pm performance on December 24 and no 8pm performance on December 31. Recommended for audiences 8 and up.
General Admission tickets to Black Nativity are $35. Tickets are available for purchase at www.theateralliance.com or by calling 202-241-2539.
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