“Black Nativity: Now’s the Time” at Penumbra Theatre

Jennifer Whitlock, Dennis W. Spears, DeMarcus T. Green, and Tonia Hughes form an angelic quartet in Penumbra's "Black Nativity." Photo: Ann Mardsden

This year’s Black Nativity, an annual tradition at Penumbra Theatre, takes a modern approach, hanging the nativity story on a contemporary American family. Conceived by Lou Bellamy and T. Mychael Rambo, and directed by Dominic Taylor, Black Nativity: Now’s the Time brings Mary and Joseph and the angels right into the living room of a three-generation family as they prepare for Christmas.

The decision to place the action in a completely realistic setting served to anchor the story, but it anchored the movement, too – particularly since dancers Alanna Morris and Marciano Silva Dos Santos as Mary and Joseph needed floor space. This was accomplished by rolling up the rug and shoving the furniture against the fireplace for most of the show, which provided a performance area but didn’t make sense otherwise. In other words, a perfectly workable and simple idea appeared to be constrained in the attractive, but not very workable space. This may have explained in part the fairly uninspired use of it. I don’t think it explains the mundane stage business, though.

The dancing was absolutely lovely, however, and I would have accepted almost any excuse to see more of it. And this show is all about singing, which is wonderful from one end of the cast to the other. Ginger Commodore lights up every stage she sets foot on, and Greta Oglesby has such a smooth, luscious voice that songs seem to just float through her. Jennifer Whitlock, DeMarcus T. Green and Tonia Hughes as the three angels formed a stellar quartet with Dennis Spears playing God’s needy wanderer. Young singing talents Jackson Hurst and Samia Butler had no problem holding their own on a stage filled with powerhouse, experienced performers that also included Geoff Jones, a Penumbra regular.

Familiar spirituals and even popular holiday songs get a jazz-meets-gospel treatment that Music Director Sanford Moore seems to have perfected. With no dialogue to speak of, the songs provide a plot line of sorts, but better represent the spirit of the moment, which is what’s really important anyway in a show like this. A musical rest from keys, bass and percussion would have been welcomed, though. I think the music would have benefited from an a cappella number, or acoustic guitar or even just keyboard accompaniment. A group of singers like this could have done anything at all they were asked to do.

 So go and enjoy the best gospel-flavored holiday music you will find anywhere. Penumbra is known for this – and with good reason. If you love this music, you will love this show. Black Nativity: Now’s the Time runs through December 26.

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