Seattle's Intiman Theatre will produce Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes' Black Nativity Dec. 11-27 for the 1998 holiday season.

With gospel singer Patrinell Wright and her Total Experience Gospel Choir at the head, Black Nativity is composed of Hughes' poetry, gospel songs and the traditional nativity story. Nativity was originally written by Hughes to bring the African-American experience to Christmas celebrations.

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 (Shepherd), Rick Hinkson (Shepherd), Cynthia Jones (Narrator), Sam Strange (Shepherd) and Wright (the Woman). The gospel choir includes Lisa Allen, Gena Brokks, Tanisha Brooks, Jeff Busch, Joseph Connor, Ronald Corsey, Stephanie Hatley, Jessica Howard, Verlind Ray, Margaret Russell, Bobbi Sims, Jessie Stern, Lulu Strange, Mary Strange and Steven Thompson.

Wright musical directs with Kent Stevenson as accompanist. Thomas Arthur Grant choreographs. David A. Milligan is production manager with Renee Roub as stage manager.

Dana Perrault designed the set, Doris Landolt the costumes and Rick Paulsen the lights. Tickets for Black Nativity are $32-$24 and available by calling the Intiman Box Office at 206-269-1900.

-- By Christine Ehren