The gospel-inspired holiday musical “Black Nativity” has a worthy history.
It was written by Langston Hughes and was one of the first performances by an African American to play on Broadway. Given such a pedigree and historical significance, it might be difficult to present “Black Nativity” as an under-the-radar event.
The performance does not shy away from biblical narrative or message. Debra Q. Henderson, “Black Nativity’s” lead performer and psalmist, is a licensed minister. But the artistic vision is uplifting: to revel in an old story and to celebrate exalted music. Hughes called it “joyful noise unto the lord.”
With a cast from the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, “Black Nativity” will be performed through Dec. 27 at Marines Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St. There will be a Michael Jackson tribute in between the gospel Christmas carols. For more information, go to www.lhtsf.org.
