I've seen the Black Rep's production of Black Nativity before, and I enjoyed it so much I thought I'd check it out again this year. It's an amazing, uplifting work told in two acts that examine the story of the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas with completely different approaches. It's also a joyous celebration well worth your time and attention, featuring a strong, talented cast and expert direction.
The first act features a reenactment of the birth of the baby Jesus, with Joseph and Mary searching for, but not finding, any room at the inn. A colorful combination of song and dance is used to tell this famous story, and it's an engaging presentation that showcases some exceptional choreography as Joseph and Mary are "shadowed" by a pair of dancers (Heather Beal and Germaine Depry Gbaho) that interpret the story through movement.
The second act brings the action into the near present. A Christmas revue is taking place, and we're witness to all the energy and conviviality that that generates. It's a marvelous concept, and you'd be hard pressed to not get caught up in the infectiously enthusiastic mood that's created. This is a different approach than when I first saw the show, but it works just as well, and a great number of the songs have been changed as well.
Like I wrote last year at this time, it's really tough to single out any individual performances (although there's no denying the exceptional vocal chops on display by Herman Gordon, as well his rousing portrayals in both acts), so I'm just going to list the cast and let you know that all of the performers are top notch. The cast includes: Heather Beal, Raphaella Darden, Annetta Flowers, Matthew Galbreath, Alicia Ghabo, Germaine Depry Gabho, the aforementioned Gordon, Kristian Greer, Kenyada Harris, Daniel Hodges, Crystal Holliway, Karen Hylton, Curtis Jefferson, Leslie Johnson, Evann Jones, Nakischa Joseph, Dominique Milam, Dana Sims, Sheila Ware, Alexis White, Tyler White, and Cynthia Denise Woodson.
Conceived and directed by Ron Himes, he's assembled another wonderful staging of this material, tempering the seriousness of the subject matter with a sense of humor that can't help but bring many a smile to the faces in the audience. He's aided in his pursuits by Diane White-Clayton's work arranging and composing songs for the show. Brian Purlee's multi-level scenic design allows for a very smooth transition between the two distinctly different acts. Nathan Scheuer's lighting illuminates the action with aplomb, and Jennifer (J.C.) Krajicek's costumes provide an arresting combination of colors and textures. Keith Fowler (drums), Kyle Kelley (piano), James Belk (percussion), Craig Florez (guitar) and Jeff Anderson (bass) provide the excellent accompaniment that hops between genres.
Black Nativity is chock-full of glorious musical numbers, and the highlights are almost too many to mention. But, my favorite is still "Late-Night Shepherd's Blues" with its amusing complement of bleating sheep. The first act is brought to a rousing close with the rhythmic "Clap Praise", which really seemed to invigorate the audience. The second act leans more toward secular songs, and they're very well performed and completely delightful.
Once again, Black Nativity is a stunning achievement that will linger in your mind long after the final number brings the show to a close. The Black Rep's production continues through December18, 2011 at the Grandel Theatre.
