Penumbra Theatre Co Announces Cast And Creative Team For Black Nativity

Penumbra Theatre Company, the nation's preeminent African American theatre, proudly announces the opening of Black Nativity: Now's the Time, by T. Mychael Rambo and Lou Bellamy, directed by Dominic Taylor, with musical direction by Sanford Moore on Friday November 26, 2010. The production will run November 26- December 26, 2010.

For the seventh year in a row, this spectacular holiday production plays on the Penumbra stage, marking the 23rd year of this Christmas tradition. This season, we are taken into the Walker family home. The story follows four family members, representing three generations, as they each journey away from the expectation and need for material gifts towards the recognition that a true gift is one that money can't buy-the gift of love. The Walker family offers us the spirit of hope and cheer, sharing their gifts to us through song and dance.

"I think the lasting power of 'Black Nativity' is that it makes you feel better, warmer, and more connected to yourself and one another than you did when you first entered the theatre. This play uplifts the audience and has the potential to open our hearts-perhaps when we need it most," said Dominic Taylor, director of the production and Penumbra's associate artistic director.

This powerful gospel journey includes old favorites such as "No Room at the Inn," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Joy to the World," and several songs new to Black Nativity including "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "The Soulful Noel," and "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus." The performance features live music by award-winning musicians, original dance choreographed by the renowned Uri Sands of TU Dance Company, and a stellar gospel choir ensemble that includes members of Moore by Four and the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness.

Featured vocalists include Samia Butler, Ginger Commodore, DeMarcus T. Green, Jackson Hurst, Geoff Jones, Tonia Hughes, Greta Oglesby, Dennis W. Spears, and Jennifer Whitlock. Joining the vocal ensemble are TU Dance Company members Alanna Morris and Marciano Silva dos Santos, with live music by Sanford Moore and David Hurst on keyboards, James A. Young on bass, and Demetrius Mabry on drums.

QUICK REFERENCE

Production: Black Nativity: Now's the Time
Conceived by: T. Mychael Rambo & Lou Bellamy
Producer: Penumbra Theatre Company and Lou Bellamy
Presenter: Target
Director: Dominic Taylor
Musical Director: Sanford Moore
Choreographer: Uri Sands

Ensemble: Samia Butler, Ginger Commodore, DeMarcus T. Green, Jackson Hurst, Geoff Jones, Tonia Hughes Kendrick, Alanna Morris, Greta Oglesby, Marciano Silva dos Santos, Dennis W. Spears, and Jennifer Whitlock.

Musicians: Sanford Moore (Keyboard), David Hurst (Keyboard II), James A. Young III (Bass), and Demetrius Mabry (Percussion).

Design Team: Jason Allyn-Schwerin (Scene Design), Kathy Maxwell (Lighting Design),
Tom Sandelands (Sound Design), Amelia Cheever (Costume Design), and
Martin Gwinup (Video Design).

Dates:
November 26 - December 26, 2010
Previews November 23 & 24 at 7:30pm
Opening Night, November 26 at 7:30 pm

Performances:
Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30pm
Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm

NOTE: Wednesday, Dec 1 has a 10am and 7:30pm show only
Additional performance Tuesday, Dec 21 at 7:30pm
Thursday, Dec 24 has a 2:00pm show only
Saturday, Dec 25 there is NO SHOW
Sunday, Dec 26 has a 2:00pm show only

Tickets: 651-224-3180 or penumbratheatre.org

Price: Adult single is $38 and Students are $10

Theatre Location: 270 North Kent Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102

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