'Black Nativity' runs at Lipscomb's Shamblin Theatre 12-18 through 12-20

Amun Ra Theatre's jeff obafemi carr came off the roof and hit the ground running, with the fifth anniversary production of the company's Black Nativity by Langston Hughes as the first offering in the 2010 season. Black Nativity will feature the children of the Amun Ra Performing Arts Academy, alongside some of the stars of previous Black Nativity productions of the past five years.

Black Nativity runs December 18-20 at the Shamblin Theatre on the campus of David Lipscomb University. This marks the first year the show will be produced on the Lipscomb campus, and the university is a major sponsor of the event. Lipscomb staff and students will have the opportunity to work with ART's professional crew, which includes nationally recognized lighting designer Scott Leathers.

Black Nativity is the story of the birth of Christ, from the book of St. Luke, by the legendary Harlem Renaissance poet/novelist/lyricist/essayist Langston Hughes. The Gospel "Song Play," as it has been described, employs vibrant music, high-energy dance, and poetry. As the storytellers lead you through "the greatest story ever told," the play will celebrates the universal humanity found in the Christmas story, from an African perspective.

"I'd like the audience to be able to celebrate the reason for the season in a jubilant and reflective way," says carr, who will direct and appear in this year's production. "This year's Nativity is more like a 'Greatest Hits' of the previous four years. We have some of the best and most recognizable singers and actors we've used in the past who are doing a homecoming of sorts. I'm really going to have to bring my A Game to step on the stage with them - they're that good."  

The rocking Gospel Musical features the Amun Ra Youth Performing Arts Academy and ART company members Shonka Dukureh, Kenetha Carr, Todd Suttles and newcomer Aleta Myles, among many others. 

The ART Jazz Ensemble will perform the music, anchored by Musical Directors melvin "Maestro" lightford and alex stadaker. The show will be choreographed by Nomalanga Eniafe, who recently choreographed Before The People Came for its run at the National Black Theatre Festival in Summer 2009.

"This is a show you can bring the entire family to and meditate on just how wonderful and magical humanity's expression of holiday thankfulness is," carr says. "We are especially excited to partner with Lipscomb University on this show There are a lot of great things happening on the campus and hopefully, when people come out to see this show, from all areas of the region, they'll be treated to a great show at a great institution."

ART is offering a flat rate ticket of $10, and all seats are general admission. The show, which typically sells out at higher prices, is being presented to the Nashville community as a "gift" for all the support it has offered the company throughout 2009, which saw a string of local hits including, Gem Of The Ocean, Like It Was The Last Day, and I Ain't Yo Uncle: The New Jack Revisionist Uncle Tom's Cabin.

"Nashville got me off that roof," carr adds, in reference to the successful grassroots fundraising effort during which he lived on top of the theater for over a week to raise $30,000 for the Performing ARTs Academy. "So we all decided that we wanted to give something back to our growing number of friends and supporters. This partnership with Lipscomb allows us to do this So we want to see the entire city take advantage of the opportunity to see the highest caliber show at the most affordable price.

"Merry Christmas, Nashville Better get your tickets in advance."

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com or by phone at (800) 838-3006. For more information, call (615) 329-iact (4228). Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

photo by Hatcher & Fell, Nashville