A return engagement of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes' Black Nativity opens Dec. 1 on the mainstage of Seattle's Intiman Theatre.
With gospel singer and pastor Patrinell Wright and her Total Experience Gospel Choir at the show's core, Black Nativity is a mix of Hughes' poetry, gospel songs and the traditional nativity story. Nativity was written by Hughes in 1961 to bring the African-American experience to Christmas celebrations.
Performances began Nov. 27 for a run through Dec. 26. The show was standing-room-only last season at Intiman.
Jacqueline Moscou directs a cast that features community leader and Mount Zion Baptist Church's Pastor Emeritus Reverend Samuel McKinney as the Elder/Narrator, Thomas Arthur Grant (Joseph), Jimi Ray Malary (Narrator), Cynthia Jones (Narrator), Joel Rene (Mary) and Wright (the Woman). The gospel choir includes Lisa Allen, Gena Brooks, Tanisha Brooks, Joseph Connor, Ronald Corsey, Nicol V. Esteridge, Monica T. McAfee, Aaron Petry, Tony Potts, Bobbi Sims, Stephana Sneed, Lulu Strange, Mary Strange and Leah Vladowski. Pacific Northwest Ballet's Kabby Mitchell choreographs. Wright is musical director.
Designers are Dana Perrault (set), Doris Landolt (costumes), David Pascal (sound) and Rick Paulsen (lights).
Tickets for Black Nativity are $38-$28. Call the Intiman box office at (206) 269-1900.
-- By Christine Ehren