Penumbra’s “Black Nativity” returns with star guest lineup

Penumbra’s “Black Nativity” Returns for 34th Year With Star Guests and Fresh Staging Penumbra Theatre’s “Black Nativity,” based on Langston Hughes’ 1961 telling of the birth of Jesus, returns Dec. 3 through 24 for its 34th year. Directed by Penumbra founder Lou Bellamy and Austene Van, with musical direction by Sanford Moore, this year’s production celebrates the theater’s 50th anniversary season with weekly guest performers Tonia Hughes, T. Mychael Rambo, Darius Gillard and Stokley Williams. Artist Seitu Jones reimagines the set with video projections, and new arrangements join traditional gospel favorites. Bellamy says some Twin Cities families feel Christmas is incomplete without the show. Limited $5 Access Tickets are available with promo code Access50th. Penumbra Theatre’s holiday production of “Black Nativity” is returning for its 34th year, running Dec. 3-24. With special guest performers and expanded production design, this year’s show promises a refreshed experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The original play, written by Langston Hughes in 1961, depicts the birth of Jesus. Since its Penumbra debut in the 1990s, the St. Paul theater has staged many adaptations of the musical. This year’s concert-style production is directed by Lou Bellamy, Penumbra’s founder and artistic director emeritus, and Austene Van, with musical direction by Sanford Moore. “It’s become such a community staple that people who came to the show with their parents as children are now bringing their children to the show,” Bellamy said. “It’s really fun to see that sort of thing, especially in the Black community, where it’s really important that we have that continuous statement that affects our community and binds us together.” “I think that it’s one of the few times that a whole family can enter into an artistic space and share it together at a time of the year that is about celebration and renewal,” he said. “There are families in the Twin Cities that don’t consider that they have had Christmas unless they’ve seen this show.” The enhanced staging celebrates Penumbra’s 50th anniversary season. Each week will feature a different guest performer: Tonia Hughes, T. Mychael Rambo, Darius Gillard and Stokley Williams. The production also features a new dance number and upgraded visual elements. Renowned artist Seitu Jones is reimagining the set design, using video projections to create a celebratory atmosphere, according to Bellamy. “We’ve sort of gone all out with it,” he said. Music remains central to the anniversary production, and the team wanted to elevate it in ways that honor the past, present and future, Van said. Audience members will hear new musical arrangements alongside traditional gospel favorites designed to evoke warmth and a sense of community, she added. “The traditional songs bring people back, inspire them and encourage them to reach out and embrace peace, joy and love,” Van said. “Those feelings that should be around at this time of the season come out of a deep well that I feel only Penumbra can inspire.” Van first joined “Black Nativity” as an actor, singer and dancer in its early years. Over time, she took on larger roles, becoming a choreographer and then a director. “I looked forward to participating in ‘Black Nativity’ for the beautiful story and the way it was told excellently through music and dance,” Van said. “Also, our community. We would get together, we would have dinners together… It was just a love fest, and every time I left for a little while, I couldn’t wait to get back to Minnesota.” Looking ahead to this year’s run, Van encouraged community members to attend. “Come with an open heart, ready to be filled with love and joy, and spread the joy when you leave, because we’re in need of it in this world,” she said. “To have a show that offers hope and community, and the freedom to love and celebrate, is not common.” To purchase tickets, email [email protected] or call Patron Services at 651-224-3180. A limited number of $5 Access Tickets are available with the promo code Access50th. For more information on Penumbra, visit www.penumbracenter.org/ . Your Might Also Like