SATURDAY DECEMBER 21, 2013 BLACK NATIVITY, LANGSTON HUGHES' ICONIC HOLIDAY CLASSIC, RETURNS TO NEW HAVEN WITH FAMILY CENTERED CAST

BLACK NATIVITY, LANGSTON HUGHES' ICONIC HOLIDAY CLASSIC, RETURNS TO NEW HAVEN
WITH FAMILY CENTERED CAST
 
On Saturday, December 21, at 2:00 and again at 7:00 PM, join the 2013 cast of Black Nativity by Langston Hughes at The Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James, 57 Olive Street, at the corner of Chapel Street.  Seats are $10 general and $5 children under 12 and seniors.
 
Black Nativity is the gospel musical journey of Mary and Joseph toward Bethlehem where the Baby Jesus is born, and the subsequent church service that celebrates His life and legacy.  This year's version of the play also includes two of Langston's poems along with dance embellishment choreographed by Broadway veteran Wes Yarbor.  Soprano Dana Elizabeth Fripp is a featured soloist and Broadway actor Charles C.C. Brown returns to Connecticut to portray the Elder and is also a featured soloist.
 
The collaboration of well known local Monk and Gibson-Brown families is the core of the 2013 production.  Director Aleta Staton, a local actress herself, says "These two families are both identified by their roots in the church and their wings in gospel music.  They both have performed as family singing groups.  At least 5 of the Browns and 9 of the Monks will perform.  This will be the first time they have collaborated in this manner."
 
Charles C.C. Brown, founder with his mom Mae Gibson-Brown of the Salt and Pepper Gospel Choir, is a featured performer.  His background includes several stints on Broadway as Mufasa in The Lion King as well as principal roles in Dreamgirls and Les Miserables.  International performer Dana Elizabeth Fripp returns to the play from her five year run at Long Wharf under the direction of Sarah Peterson.  Dudley Flake, bandleader of local jazz ensemble Psalm 150, serves as Musical Director.
 
"This is our re-introduction of the show to New Haven.  As we begin to reinterpret the music and re-stage the story with elements such as dance and spoken word, hopefully we can involve more talented performers from this area and enlarge the production in subsequent years.  We are thankful and appreciative of the support of Long Wharf Theatre in this venture.  They kindly offered to let us use the costumes from the run of the show that ended in 2007, in addition to opening one of their rehearsal halls when we needed space to move around," says Staton.

Seating is limited for this production, and there are three portals for reservation of seats.  It is advisable to make reservations ahead of time.
 
For more information or to reserve seats to either showing,
email blacknativitynewhaven@yahoo.com or call 203-677-6779. 
Comment or "Like" us on Facebook at Black Nativity New Haven.

Comments