A Nativity Story: More Than a Miracle
Written and Directed by Alexis J. Rogers
Co-Directed/Choreographed by Rueben Echoles
Produced by Congo Square Theatre
At the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Chicago
Pageantry fills this story-within-a-story musical that pays homage to The Nativity
First time playwright/director Alexis J. Rogers (herself a stunning actor/singer) has created a Langston Hughes inspired version of the classic Black Nativity only in this musical, the more playful elements are aired. The Angel Gabriel (Kelvin Roston, Jr.) oversees the plight of Diane (E. Faye Butler) and her estranged son Nathan (Mark J.P. Hood) as the sons demands to know about his father. Diane has her reasons to with hold that information. Tension abounds as the two prepare their Nativity show at their local christian church.
After seeing scenes well sung and danced by the angels, we are treated to a funny group of amateurs trying to present a worth Nativity show that is filled with mother-son inflict. Gabriel intercedes at key moments to create more than a miracle.
This cute, playful show contains so much uptempo gospel songs, as well as rich blues, that audiences rejoice as the spirit moves them to shootout and wave their harms up to the Lord. I liked the sincerity and deeply emotional testimony of their beliefs as they are expressed by the talented performers lead by Kelvin Roston, Jr. and the fabulous E. Faye Butler.
A Nativity Story: More Than a Miracle is a Black Ensemble style show that contains enough intense emotions, frantic music and dance including terrific ballet sequences by Kathleen Turner and Anthony Williams making the stage elements interesting. Congo Square Theatre reminds us that African-American concept of The Nativity is unique, emotional, and honestly depicted through gospel music and movement. This show is a fine testament to their beliefs and it is a worthy holiday treat. Hurry, you only have through December 28 to see this rousing show.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
At the Ruth Page Center, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL, call 773- 296-1108, www.congosquaretheatre.org, tickets $35 – $45, Friday, Dec 26 at 7:30, Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3 & 7:30 pm, Sunday, Dec 28 at 3 pm, running time is 90 minutes without an intermission, through Dec 28, 2014