THE THEATER MIRROR, New England’s LIVE Theater Guide
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MARQUEE | USHER | SEATS |
INTERMISSION | CURTAIN |
note: entire contents copyright 2002 by Carl A. Rossi
Narrator (Principal): Voncile Ross; Hon. Milton L. Wright
Narrator: Danny Morris; Terri Taylor
Narration: Sele ‘Fana Kamau
Mary: Shaynah Barnes; Toni S. Jackson; Mercedes Neves; Desiree Springer-O’Neal
Joseph: Wyatt “Mo’gee” Jackson; Dr. Michael Shannon
with:
Voices of Black Persuasion and Children of Black Persuasion
I have received the last of my theatre gifts: a performance of Langston Hughes’ BLACK NATIVITY, which celebrated its 33rd season in Boston. I first attended a performance about six or seven years ago; many things in my life have changed since then, but BLACK NATIVITY remains as fresh and joyous as I remembered it to be and I thank its performers, one and all.
Mr. Hughes’ gospel song-play is exactly that: a celebration of the Coming and Birth of Christ, done with a minimum of plot and a maximum of song: hand-clapping, soul-stirring song. To debate whether BLACK NATIVITY be a musical, a concert or a mass is moot; it will sweep you up in its loving embrace and leave you a round-eyed child experiencing the true meaning of Christmas --- spiritual, not material. I wouldn’t say this was the one show you had to see this holiday season, but it was certainly the best one on which to end your holiday theatergoing.
Seasons Greetings 2002.