Review: BLACK NATIVITY at Theater Alliance

Theater Alliance's Helen Hayes Award-winning production of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity at the Anacostia Playhouse is an experience that will have you exultantly leaping out of your seat from beginning to end.

Black Nativity is a soul-stirring rendition of the Christmas Story. The production serves as a powerful retelling of the Nativity story from an African-American perspective that takes the audience from an Afrocentric Jerusalem to a traditional black church through impressive dance, powerful spirituals and anthems, and toe-tapping gospel numbers.

There is one fact that is very apparent for everyone during this time of year, the holidays are here. With that being said, it is very difficult for many people to rekindle the joy that has been lost with the passing of loved ones, hardships faced with the economy, and so many other experiences that can really start to weigh down on the soul. But fear not, this production is here to lift your tired and weary heart up and invigorate it with the true power of the holidays through performance.

Director and choreographer Princess Mhoon, along with her absolutely genius musical director e'Marcus Harper-Short brings nothing less than an infectious gospel explosion to the Washington D.C. community with this thrilling and uplifting production. Making her directing debut, Mhoon has a pioneering flair for the collaboration of movement and motivation on stage. Her blocking choices, enhanced by the constant journey of interpretive dance, is something to be respected and admired. It will be quite exciting to see where Mhoons' journey takes her next, hopefully it will be to the stages of New York City.

Of particular interest is the aesthetic of Brandee Mathies' costuming choices. The costumes within the first act is Mathies paying tribute to the ever-fierce and fabulous Reggie Ray. However, the costume choices in the second act did seem a bit too contrived. The overwhelming color coordination and desire to match evoked a strong sense of commercialism which seems to already be saturating the Holidays enough in recent years.

Although Theater Alliance's space is but a black box, the creative team does a remarkable job in transporting you through their innovative place-making and set design. Brian Gillick, the production's scenic designer really captured the idea of "light" which was one of Mhoons' guiding thematic elements for the production. Gillick designed the stage with a platform that features the show's musicians in a way that almost mirrors the idea of the Christmas altar.

The production features a host of all-star talent that received their training at Howard, the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, and many other reputable performance programs. The training of the cast is apparent in their remarkable ability to execute seamless harmonies while jumping octaves like an Olympic musical kangaroo. To highlight only a few of the performers in this production would be unfair, to say the least. Each and every one of these anointed artists serve as a remarkable reminder of the visceral power of performance.

The intersection of contemporary and traditional Christmas carols brought to life in this show makes it impossible for the audience to not enthusiastically engage. To clap, shout, and occasionally sing along, is the norm for any audience member who dares to take this journey of reclaiming and reinforcing their holiday joy.

Langston Hughes first premiered Black Nativity at New York City's Lincoln Theatre in December 1961. For this D.C. performance, director Princess Mhoon captured the spirit of the Holidays in way that should not be missed.

Black Nativity runs November 23, 2016 to December 31, 2016 at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE, Washington, D.C. For tickets go to www.theateralliance.com

Black Nativity by Langston Hughes . Director and Choreographer: Princess Mhoon. Featuring: Catrina Brenae, Frank Britton, Demitrus (Demie) Carter, Amailya Holley, Jocelyn Jenkins, Derrionne Key, Branden Mack, Shante M. Moore, R. Joshua Reynolds, Awa Sal Secka, Danielle Glover, Tony Thomas II, e'Marcus Harper-Short, Jon-Matthew Hopkins, Yusef Chisholm. Music Direction: e'Marcus Harper-Short. Scenic Design: Brian Gillick. Lighting Design: John Alexander. Sound Design: Dan Deiter. Costume Design: Brandee Mathies (with tribute to Reggie Ray). Properties Design: Eric Schwartz with Brian Gillick. Stage Manager: Tre Wheeler.Produced by Theater Alliance

PHOTO CREDIT: C. Stanley Photography

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