Following 2023 Success, 'Black Nativity' Is Back

Following a wildly successful sold-out return to Seattle in 2023, Langston Hughes' Black Nativity will once again be on the Broadway Performance Hall stage, with the same crew and a slightly updated production. 

This year's run will be even longer — from Dec. 4 to Dec. 29 — which reflects the high demand and widespread community support after the theatrical work's 10-year hiatus. It's exactly the kind of groundswell encouragement director Valerie Curtis-Newton had hoped to see when mounting the play last year. 

"I felt as though the community came out to support the idea of a Black Nativity. I thought that we were able to, in the short time we had, pull together a worthy offering," she said in a recent interview. "That set a good foundation for what's coming."

Hughes' Black Nativity has a storied history in Seattle. Originally debuted off-Broadway in 1961, the gospel-play tells the story of Jesus' birth through Black gospel songs, liturgical dance, African-inspired costumes, and an all-Black cast. The production made its first appearance in Seattle in 1998, led by the late Pastor Patrinell Wright and the Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney. It became a yearly holiday staple for many in the community until Intiman stopped putting on the show in 2012.

Curtis-Newton, music director Sam Townsend Jr., and choreographer Vania C. Bynum led the return of Black Nativity last December, and all have taken up the same roles again this year. Returning principal cast members include Shaunyce Omar, Felicia Loud, Esther Okech, and Yusef Seevers. Additionally, the 2024 production of Black Nativity will have a 16-person gospel choir, live band, and cast of new and returning dancers. While most of Act I remains the same as last year, Act II underwent a bit of a reshaping, but Curtis-Newton assures that the changes won't affect the production's powerful message.

"Just like The Nutcracker is always The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol is always A Christmas Carol, our intention is that Black Nativity will always be Black Nativity. We'll find new ways of engaging and expanding community," said Curtis-Newton.

One of the ways Intiman is giving back is by partnering with Food Lifeline to raise funds for people experiencing hunger in Seattle. There will be a "pass the basket" portion of this year's show during which audience members will be encouraged to drop a few bucks; half the proceeds will go to Food Lifeline, with the other half going to Intiman's Free for Everyone free-ticket program. It hopes to surpass the $15,000 raised during last year's production.

"We saw so many new folks coming in that had never seen it before," said Intiman's Managing Director Wesley Frugé about the 2023 Black Nativity, noting that they are planning to distribute 500 free tickets to make the show more accessible to everyone. 

Both Intiman and the current artistic crew intend for Black Nativity to once again become a reliable part of the city's yearly holiday traditions. Curtis-Newton intends to deliver a high-quality artistic experience for audiences, but set the stage so that, eventually, a new generation of Black directors, musicians, choreographers, and leaders can mount a Black Nativity. 

"I don't expect to be directing the show for 15 years. I don't think Sam or Vanya expects to be music director or choreographer for 15 years," she reflected. "We want to be sure that we're bringing on folks who can understand the footprint and who will eventually be able to make it their own so it will stay rejuvenated every few years. [We hope] that there will be something people can hold on to as the heart of Black Nativity." 

Intiman Theatre's presentation of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity will play at Broadway Performance Hall from Dec. 4–29. Get more information and tickets over on Intiman Theatre's website.

Editor's note: a change was made to update the list of current cast members.