@showsiveseen Langston Hughes's "Black Nativity" #Christmas #concert #musical by @Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project. Truely a worthy yearly tradition of the Seattle #holiday season. That #black #gospel church #choir was dynamite! Closes this weekend. Review: showsiveseen.com/10975 Photos: Joe Moore Director: @valeriecurtisnewt2 Music Direction: Sam Townsend, Jr. Choreo: Vania C. Bynum Stage Manager: Neen Williams-Teramachi #theatre #showsiveseen #xmas ♬ My Way Is Cloudy – Latrice Pace & Various Artists
Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Black Nativity Christmas concert musical by Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project. Truely a worthy yearly tradition of the Seattle holiday season. That black gospel church choir was dynamite! Closes this weekend.
See it, especially if you love black gospel choir music.
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I attended the same production last year, and this year’s version felt 85% identical. They also seemed to have improved how the second act addressed the 4th wall. I’m curious how much the script and songs differ in productions by other theatre companies since there seems to be so much inherent leeway for deviation.
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Yes, in fact, I’d probably attend next year again!
Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high
If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes
My Synopsis (No Spoilers): The first act was a church concert-style musical reenactment of the Biblical nativity story. The second act was mostly an interactive sing-along with some non-sing-along numbers.
Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Langston Hughes’ Gospel Song-Play returns in this newly reimagined production! Celebrate the season with a cast of more than 30 actors, dancers, soaring vocalists, a live band, and a rousing city-wide gospel choir. Audiences will have the chance to raise your voice and sing-along during this stirring and joyful holiday musical for families of all backgrounds and beliefs. Don’t miss your chance to experience this treasured Seattle tradition as Intiman presents the second year of the new Black Nativity.
Type: Concert Musical and Sing-along
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Several, but they weren’t presented as traditional live theatre since it was more of a concert than a musical.
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several, but they weren’t presented as traditional live theatre since it was more of a concert than a musical.
Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll probably appreciate this more if you grew up in the Christian church.
Defined Plot/Storyline: No, since it was more of a concert than a musical.
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Union Actors: 5
Total Actors: 5 main actors + 5 dancers + 16 choir members
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium to fast speed
Was there an intermission? Yes
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours
Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above
- Unlikely Theatre Fan: I already shared my initial thoughts on this show in my review last year, but this year, I attended with my sister and experienced the performance through her fresh eyes. Now, she can’t stop thinking about it, and we both agreed we should have brought her kids along so they could experience church in a way that’s rare to find since Seattle is so homogenous and the least churched city in the USA. Now, she’s eager to make Black Nativity an annual tradition with me, which is surprising given that she’s not usually a fan of musicals or live theater.
- Choir: Even though the choir was relatively small (16 members), they were on fire!
- Interactivity: I usually don’t prefer interactive elements in live theatre, but it felt fitting for this Christmas performance. There was a singalong, an offertory, kids decorating a tree, opportunities to share our holiday traditions, and even a fun lesson on how to clap/sway in a black church.
Rant(s)
- Audience: The audience could have used a bit more energy. You can’t fully capture the spirit of Black church with amazing performers and a tepid crowd. Kudos to the performers for maintaining their energy despite the lack of audience enthusiasm. Oh Seattle…
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
- Pregnancy Belly: It was weird not seeing a pregnancy belly on Mary (played by DaeZhane Day) … but it probably would have been equally as weird to see a pregnant woman dancing as energetically.
- Song List Highlights:
- “Mary Did You Know”: My sister was moved to tears during this song. Then we laughed when Mary nodded in response to the question, “Mary, did you know?” The choir later joined in with an unexpectedly dynamite burst of energy.
- “The Night That Christ Was Born”: Kearia Keke Duncan’s arms must be incredibly strong to support her graceful angel wings dance. Additionally, the soloist was outstanding.
- “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”: Obviously when emulating the style of Mariah Carey’s version, this song was crowd pleaser.
- “Oh Holy Night”: The acapella harmony at the lyrics “fall on your knees” was incredible.
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Josephine Howel was an amazingly effortless powerhouse with an interesting voice.
- “Total Praise” + “Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory”: I love that they included these black gospel staples even though the songs weren’t Christmas themed.
Theatre Company: Intiman Theatre & The Hansberry Project
Venue: Seattle Central College’s Broadway Performance Hall
Venue Physical Address: 1625 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Price Range: $65-110
Ticket Affordability Options: The ticketing website offers honor code discount options for students, military, industry, … or anybody. They also offer 20 free rush tickets 1 hour in-person before each performance.
Dates: December 4 to 29, 2024
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: Ironically, the uncovered parking lots on Harvard Avenue across Seattle Central College are cheaper than street parking.
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Pictures: See production pictures below by Joe Moore.
Cast and Production Team: See pictures below.
