SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre invites audiences to “hear again the Christmas story” with its annual production of Black Nativity, a holiday favorite that features 40 singers, dancers and musicians. This will be the gospel musical’s last season at Intiman, where it has been a tradition since 1998. Intiman and members of the creative team are currently exploring new options for the future, including a move to a larger venue in King County .
Black Nativity is directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, with music direction and arrangements by Pastor Patrinell Wright, Seattle’s “Gospel Queen” and founder of the Total Experience Gospel Choir. Written by Langston Hughes, the production is a showcase for gospel music performed by soloists from churches and stages across King County ; gravity-defying choreography and tap in the tradition of past dance legends; and an on-stage band. This season’s production features actors Josephine Howell and Jimi Ray Malary joining Pastor Wright and the Rev. Mr. Joseph E. Connor in the leading roles, and dancers Bryson D. Conley and Pamela Yasutake as Joseph and Mary.
“Black Nativity is a vital and treasured part of Intiman’s mission,” says Managing Director Brian Colburn. “It brings to our theatre wonderful artists, community members and audiences who thrill to the talent, heart and joyous expression of faith that make this show so unique and special. But with 40 artists on stage and sold-out houses, it has outgrown the capacity of our space. In collaboration with Jackie and Pat, we are looking at larger venues in King County for the 2010 production. We look forward to honoring its history this season, and to exploring new scenarios that will continue to make this a holiday event for the entire family in future years.”
To celebrate the production’s 12 years here, Intiman is offering special pricing opportunities during the first two weeks of performances and will participate in a “12 Days of Christmas” series of civic programs throughout the run, during which Intiman staff and artists will take part in public events that contribute to the health and well-being of our community.
All adult tickets for every performance from December 1-13 are on sale for $25. Adult tickets for performances from December 15-27 are $45. Youth tickets for all patrons age 18 and younger are $15 for the full run of the production. Tickets are on sale now from 206.269.1900 or www.intiman.org.
“Black Nativity has grown each year at Intiman, with each year’s show bigger and better than the year before,” says Moscou, who has directed the annual production since its first season. “We all feel that it’s time to look at a new venue that will support its continued growth.”
“Looking at a shorter run in a larger venue closer to the holidays is an exciting idea,” says Pastor Wright. “We want Black Nativity to always have the spirit of Intiman’s non-denominational church, but this will serve our artists and our audiences by making the production a Christmas event.”
Intiman Theatre performs at 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center . Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. There will be a special Christmas Eve performance on Thursday, December 24 at 4 pm and no performances on Christmas Day.
Seasonal support for Intiman Theatre is provided by ArtsFund; Intiman Theatre Foundation; Kreielsheimer Remainder Foundation; The Leading National Theatres Program, a joint initiative of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and Washington State Arts Commission.
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