BLACK NATIVITY NOW Performances Benefit BC/EFA & Salvation Army

Alfred Preisser and Tracy Jack's BLACK NATIVITY NOW Performances Benefit BC/EFA and Salvation Army Zimbabwe Orphanage Project

Broadway veteran and two-time Emmy Award winning actor Nikkieli DeMone ("Bad Street", "In The Eyes Of God", Miss Saigon, Rent, Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sideshow) and the cast of Alfred Preisser and Tracy Jack's holiday gospel pageant BLACK NATIVITY NOW, are currently raising the roof and raising "offerings" for several different New York charities, during their limited run, Off-Broadway at the Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street in New York City through January 2, 2011. To date, audience members and the BLACK NATIVITY NOW producers have donated $800 to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and $1000 to the Salvation Army Zimbabwe Orphanage Project.

BLACK NATIVITY NOW features an original score and musical direction by Kelvyn Bell, choreography by Tracy Jack and direction by Alfred Preisser, is produced by Jeffrey Glaser, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser, Dana Watkins, Kingsize-USA & 9One Productions. Tickets are $47.50 - $67.50; student and group rates are available.

Check out www.BlackNativityOffBroadway.com for the performance schedule and to purchase tickets at Ovationtix ((https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/756575) For more information call 1-866-811-4111.

THE NEW YORKER
Goings On About Town: The Theatre
Black Nativity Now
Review by Rollo Romig
At the beginning of this dazzling show, a musician (Kelvyn Bell, who composed the original score) steps onstage with an electric guitar and describes the church of his youth, built on the muddy ground of Buckwater, Missouri. "I just wanted to share some of the love, and some of the mud," he explains, launching into the gospel standard "Up Above My Head." There's a lot more love and mud to come: for the next eighty minutes, the ensemble just keeps topping itself in a blend of modern-dress nativity story, rousing revival meeting, and, most of all, first-rate soul-gospel revue. Alfred Preisser, director and co-writer (with Tracy Jack), lends wit and vitality to the tropes of each of these forms; it's a rare pageant that delivers this much warmth, energy, and depth of feeling.

The gospel truth is, it's entertaining
Review by Frank Scheck

A series of rousing musical numbers accompanies the story of Joseph (Jarvis B. Manning Jr.) and the heavily pregnant Mary (Breanna Bartley) -- whose condition doesn't prevent her from breaking out some serious dance moves -- as they make their way to the manger.

Much of the fun stems from the unorthodox depictions of the classic biblical characters, from the hipster, sunglasses-wearing shepherds to the Afro-haired, platform-shoed Three Wise Men.

Black Nativity Now
Review by Ethan Kanfer

Replete with an infectious energy and a dazzling display of musical talent, Black Nativity Now manages to strike a perfect balance. It is sentimental without being cloying, and deeply spiritual without being preachy.

Please note the remaining performance schedule:
12/22 @ 3pm & 7pm, 12/23 @ 3pm & 7pm, 12/25 @ 3pm & 7pm, 12/26 @ 3pm & 6pm, 12/27 @ 3pm & 7pm, 12/29 @ 3pm & 7pm, 12/30 @ 3pm & 7pm, 12/31 @ 3pm & 7pm, 1/1 @ 3 pm & 7pm, 1/2 @ 3pm
Co-writers Alfred Preisser and Tracy Jack have set their holiday gospel pageant in a present day urban setting that could be the city where you live, to tell the story of the birth of Christ from a fresh and wholly original perspective. This contemporary setting provides a heartfelt reference point for an evening of exuberant music and dance that celebrates humanity's need for hope and grace.

BOX OFFICE & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: www.BlackNativityOffBroadway.com
TICKETS: $47.50 - $67.50 | Student and group rates available
For more information call 1-866-811-4111.
Follow BLACK NATIVITY NOW:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Nativity-Off-Broadway/122905747735693
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BlackNativityOB
Black Planet: http://www.blackplanet.com/Black_Nativity_OB/

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