Black Nativity
What great music. Solid entertainment (though not what I would call great theatre) but hands down, lights out, drop dead gorgeous: amazing music.
I saw Black Nativity tonight: the best worship service I've been to in a long time. Built around the writing of Langston Hughes, Black Nativity is in its seventh year at the Intiman Theatre, and once you've experienced the beauty of The Total Experience Gospel Choir and The Black Nativity Choir, both under the leadership of Pastor Patrinell Wright, it's not hard to see why.
Having lately reflected on the nature of beauty and aesthetic experience, I kept thinking how beautiful this was, this artful, unapologetic presentation of the gospel in a major theatre in a major city. Not often do I get to hear such dynamic musicality, such colorful range, such live, unfettered emotion in church music. Exuberance, wonder, quiet praise - all tied together by the wonderful narrative voice of the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. How easily it compels me, calling me to come be a part of their joy, a joy they attribute to Christ in a powerful song called "Jesus is the Center of My Joy." How easy to get an image of that someday Revelation choir, but instead of white robes, all the singers are in bright colors, singing "The Presence of the Lord is Here."
If you go, watch out for a little song at the end called "He is Excellent." The vocal arrangement is pretty amazing.
Black Nativity runs through December 26th.
Excellent, indeed...
11:29:50 PM
