'Black Nativity' with 'Idol' Contestants 12/2; Honors Non-Profits 12/1

Intiman Theatre announces that three former contestants from "American Idol" will join the Black Nativity cast as special guests for the 2PM & 7:30PM performances on Sunday, December 2. Karma Johnson (from "American Idol" first season in 2002), Leah Vladowski (who competed as Leah LaBelle in the 2004 season) and Sanjaya Malakar (a fan favorite in the 2007 season) will each sing a solo during the two performances of Intiman's annual holiday production.

All three singers are alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, founded and directed by Pastor Patrinell Wright. Pastor Wright has performed in Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play, as well as created the musical direction and arrangements, since its first production in 1998. Karma Johnson performed in Black Nativity in 2001; Leah Vladowski performed in the production for its first five years, from 1998-2002, making her debut appearance at age 12.

Intiman Theatre announces the three nonprofit programs that will be honored on the opening night performance of the holiday classic Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play on Saturday, December 1 at 8PM. Through this annual tradition, Intiman dedicates funds to grassroots, community-based organizations in Puget Sound that share a commitment to social change and address the needs of underserved communities, particularly youth and families. This season's 10th anniversary production is sponsored in part by Safeco Insurance, with additional support from The Boeing Company, Starbucks Coffee Company and U.S. Bank.

The beneficiaries of the opening night performance are:

• Storyteller/educator Delbert Richardson takes visitors on a journey through the "American History" Exhibit, a collection that displays symbol of slavery, including slave shackles and branding irons; "Jim Crow" era signs and documents; and authentic artifacts and relics from the continent of Africa. Mr. Richardson also honors and recognizes the many contributions of African Americans by displaying an extensive collection of inventors and inventions.
• The Latino Community Fund of Washington State, a new organization that seeks to improve the well being of Latinos in Washington state, especially those most in need, by supporting local organizations that improve the health, education, community and economic development of Latinos. www.latinocommunityfund.org
• The Somali Community Services of Seattle, which works for the success of Somali and Oromo refugees to undergo a smooth transitional process and attain a self-sustainable status in their new country. It provides case management and referrals, race and social justice leadership development, education programs for youth and adults, nutrition programs and job-readiness classes, among other services www.somalicss.org.

The opening night beneficiaries are selected by the Black Nativity Community Committee. The performance also benefits Intiman's ongoing Mary Helen Moore Scholarship Ticket Fund.

Directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, Black Nativity is a celebration of faith, expressed through exuberant performances of song, story and dance, and reaching audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs.

Black Nativity will run November 28-December 28 at the Intiman Playhouse (201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center). Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $42, are available for purchase from www.intiman.org or over the phone from the Ticket Office at 206.269.1900.

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