Subtitle: 
A Gospel Song Play
Total Rating: 
***1/2
Opened: 
December 8, 2005
Ended: 
December 18, 2005
Other Dates: 
Remounted December 14, 2006-December 17, 2006 at Historic Asolo Theater.
Country: 
USA
State: 
Florida
City: 
Sarasota
Company/Producers: 
West Coast Black Theater Troupe (Nate Jacobs, producing artistic director)
Theater Type: 
Regional
Theater: 
Backlot Theater
Theater Address: 
2208 Industrial Boulevard
Phone: 
(941) 363-9300
Running Time: 
2 hrs
Genre: 
Musical
Author: 
Book: Langston Hughes; Music: Henry L. Porter and Traditional w/ additions by Nate Jacobs, Mariea Watkins
Director: 
Nate Jacobs
Review: 

For its fifth, amplified presentation of Langston Hughes' "lyrical poem" recounting and celebrating The Nativity of Christ, WBTT garbs its gospel figures in shimmering African-inspired attire. Though it contrasts with less-polished aspects of the performance, the latter constitute part of Black Nativity's charming "folk" quality. Bold primary colors top heads and swath shoulders (extensively over black leotards for the dancers) but let gold and silver slit through mainly geometric designs of silky robes, trousers, suits of figures in events leading to and from the birth of Jesus Christ. A satin green robe singles out Nate Jacobs, as a singing Leader of the people. Simplicity sets off the black-and-red trimmed white robe of the Narrator (authoritative Charles McKenzie III). In brilliant white sequin-trimmed suit and hat, Margaret Clark cuts an impressive figure -- to match her commanding voice -- as the Angel. She delivers the Annunciation to Mary, portrayed with humility as simple as her white shawl by Myllanna McKinnon. What a pitch: it brings on dancing in the aisles! African geometric designs in blue distinguish Leon Pitts's impressive Joseph. (Pitts dances as vigorously as he acts.)

Rose captures the glow of Aneysia Bonner as Elizabeth, both hostessing cousin Mary and later showing off her child John. How the town gossips do carry on about his name -- until his father Zacharias insists on it. (McKenzie ably doubles as Elizabeth's struck- speechless, then cured, husband.) In Mary and Joseph's town, despite Angel disavowing any reason for "Shame," the gossips can't resist innuendo. "She Conceived by a Spirit?" they sing. Funny piece, though not to Mary.

Strong in music and dance supporting the narrative of Jesus's birth is big production number "Most Done Travelin." It shows the harsh journey to Bethlehem followed by scenes denying inn room for the Holy Family. Baritone Chadwick, with outstanding presence and handsome in burnt-orange. pharoah-like garb, punctuates the search for "Refuge." Luckily, the entire ensemble, headed by Angel Clark and Leader Jacobs, can glorify "A Pretty Little Baby" and predict "Peace." After all verify Chadwick's happy proclamation of "A Mighty Day" comes a time-honored invitation to Adoration.

"Follow the Light" brings stars and soloists down the center aisle led by Angel as the Narrator covers events, also presented by "followers" in song and spirited dance, from the call to the shepherds to the leading of the wise men to worship the babe. A more rousing "Go Tell It on the Mountain" might well be impossible to find. What audience could resist that catching beat? The performers' enthusiasm and freshness make clapping and foot stomping mandatory! "Amen" makes it easy to join in singing too. Time for a revival "Meetin' Tonight"—and it's on.

A mod meeting it is. What was a simple stable makes a well lit church. Narrator McKenzie presides as its minister. Jacobs leads the ensemble with Clark as lead Gospel singer. Dresses (ah, the satins and velvets!), suits, ties, shoes are predominantly red or black with accents of white. Chadwick is crooning. Pretty Jnana Wilson swings and sways. The youngsters tap a little, sing a lot, recite poetry. All around, the mikes are superfluous; the musicians aren't.

WBTT ends with Jacobs' rousing "We Need a Revival." Well, they've got one. "Holy and Righteous," as Porter III's song describes, it's also lively and -- pardon this unusual but apt metaphor -- entertaining as hell.

Cast: 
Charles McKenzie III, Myllanna McKinnon, Leon Pitts, Aneysia Bonner, Margaret Clark, Nate Jacobs, Chadwick, Jnana Wilson; Singers: Arnette German, Jamiel Law, Joel Law, Ashlan Mathis, Amber Myers, Alyssa White, Liston Gregory, Diesi Hendon, Naarai Jacobs, Juliet Martin, Adrienne Pitts, Jared Farlin, Wellington Fordham, Michael White, Charlene Young; Dancers: Ramona Moore, Adar Pitts, Leon Pitts II; Musicians: Mariea Watkins, Robert Henderson II, Gerald Law II, Orton Graves, Matthew McKinnon
Technical: 
Choreog: Leymis J. Bolanos Wilmott; Costumes: Cassandra Mockosher; Set: Joey Cantalupo; Lights: Mark Noble; Stage Mgr: Mydra McKinnon
Critic: 
Marie J. Kilker
Date Reviewed: 
December 2005