Perhaps WBBT Founder Nate Jacobs’s favorite holiday gift to his Sarasota community and to tourists is Langston Hughes’s Black Nativity. For this year’s version Director Jacobs has outdone himself. The poetic musical begins with a distinctly African American drummer central. He calls forth joyous singers and dancers who bring to the stage a great air of anticipation. No one is disappointed at what follows. Part 1 takes place in Biblical times, poetically described by Xerron Xavier Mingo, the dignified Narrator. Tarra Conner jones [sic] as the show’s presiding Angel delivers The Annunciation to a lovely, compliant Mary (Camillia Harris). Joseph, as Jonathan Isaac makes clear, understands, and becomes supportive. So does Carmillia Harris as Mary’s cousin Elizabeth. Beginning songs include two by Nate Jacobs, one by local pastor Henry Porter, and such traditional ones as “Sing Noel,” “Shout for Joy,” and “Mary Had a Baby.” The ethnic “Khumbaya” introduces the story of the Magi, who appear in magnificent garb with gifts of considerable size. Part 1 ends with “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” Part 2 moves the scene to a modern African-American Church revival, where an Ensemble sings traditional “Glory Be to God in the Highest” and “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.” X. X. Mingo presides this time as Minister over a congregation who sing from a semi-circle of benches. The dancers among them break out to illustrate lyrics or give emotional responses to them. Songs include “No HIding Place” and “Meeting Tonight” (enhanced with Gospel by Tarra Conner jones, who has become the star of the show), as well as “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow” and “Joy to the World” led by Eboni Lavender. Jonathan Isaac gets a solo in this act with “Christmas Means Love.” Nate Jacobs goes through “My Grown Up Christmas List” with an adorable young Aryam Pitts. He leads his own song “We Need a Revival” with jones [sic] and the Ensemble. A big “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” features the entire cast, both singing and dancing. As usual at WBBT, costumes — from the black simplicity of the Ensemble and somber colors of the principals (except for Mary’s blue, then white robes) at the Nativity to the elaborate Kings’ robes — are outstanding. As Angel, Tarra Conner jones is highlighted in white, with huge sleeves suggesting wings and bits of gold. For Part 2, designer Cristy Owen pulls out all the stops for colorful, African-inspired patterned dress and head coverings of those at the revival. Set designer and lighting designer collaborate as one to make the deceptively simple atmosphere of old and new times. The sound design and execution excel, as do the unseen musicians. There’s room for and lighting for rambunctious dancing and actors’ movement. Often the audience spontaneously claps. Director Nate Jacobs deserves all the applause heaped on him for everything in this newest version of Black Nativity.
