Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

The Black Nativity — A Gospel Celebration of Christmas
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, SF – through December 30, 2007

The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre in San Francisco presents its annual gospel celebration of Christmas, a delight for the whole family, and not a moment too soon. This nourishing musical is a treat for all, regardless of whether one celebrates Winter Solstice or Kwaanza or any spirituality.

The Black Nativity reminds us with song, dance, humor and poignancy to celebrate life, and for Christians especially to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The first act recreates biblical verses surrounding His birth — Roman taxation order, travel to Bethlehem, no room at the inn for the pregnant Mary, birth, worship (“we three kings of orient are…”), celebration. The second act focuses on rich traditions of the urban AfricanAmerican church, whose very existence is a miracle. After all, Christianity in the New World initially was forced on survivors of the Middle Passage, the African Holocaust, as a way to subdue them.

Lighting up the stage in this production are wonderfully talented lead singers Faye Carol, Yvonne Cobbs-Bey and Yolanda Cato Freeman. Andre C. Andree’ is perfect as “Pastor Solomon,” a combination of biblical prophet and pastor of his flock. As a former choir director and bishop emeritus in New York, he speaks with warmth and knowledge.

The actors who portray Mary and Joseph in act one are enchanting. Without speaking parts, Carla Punch and Antonio Naranjo utilize body language and dance to express their exhaustion after the journey to Bethlehem, their fear when there is no room at the inn for Mary, and joy after the Child is born.

And the music! Throughout the play there is a brilliant combination of traditional spirituals such as “Most Done Traveling” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain” with contemporary songs such as “Mercy Mercy Me” and “When Doves Cry,” along with new lyrics to popular melodies such as “Summertime” and “I’ll Take You There.” In keeping with previous years, the gospel play has a new script this season, along with new songs and new staging so as to showcase the wide-ranging talents of the artists.

The Black Nativity is conceived and directed by Stanley E. Williams, with additional text by Andre C. Andree’ and Marc Paquette. Yvonne Cobbs-Bey is music director, and Pjay Phillips did the choreography. Bert van Aalsburg is stage manager, and Matthew Royce handles lighting design. Roland Pollard and Kenneth Little are on keyboards, and Davon Vigay plays drums. Costume design is by Rose Plant.

Experiencing A Gospel Celebration of Christmas is recommended highly. A major corporation has underwritten family matinee prices for the run of the play. Further information is provided on the theatre’s Web site at www.LHTSF.org.

Be Sociable, Share!

•