Talk to anyone who has seen our annual production of Black Nativity and the conversation will quickly go to Sharon Scott. The powerhouse singer and actor plays the narrator and manages to stop the show more than once.
But if you ask Sharon Scott herself about Black Nativity, you get a whole different take on Langston Hughes’ retelling of the Nativity story.
“For me it’s about working with these kids who are so good and so talented,” she said.
The Black Nativity cast features young aspiring performers mixed with adult professionals.
“They’ve got that little thing – I remember being that way – when you got a gig and you are so excited about it. You don’t care about the money or any of that. It’s just being there and doing it.”
She also talks about the diversity of the cast. Black Nativity’s cast is a mix of age, race, and gender.
“It is a show where everybody is welcome at the table,” she said. “Which fits since that’s one of the messages of Christ.”
Financial and organizational problems derailed the show last year, after a five-year run. But audiences missed it. And so did Sharon Scott. She dialed Producer Sandy Tabor regularly with one simple request.
“I kept hounding Sandy – ‘are we going to do it? Are we going to do it?’ I know she got tired of hearing me.” Sharon said.
Tabor said yes. She is again producing the show. Bob Devin Jones returns as director. This year’s production is co-sponsored by the Studio @ 620 and the Palladium at St. Petersburg College.
Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec, 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. As always, the show is free but tickets are required and available through the Palladium box office and the Studio @ 620.
1 comment
I love the collaborative feeling of the way this show is produced here in St Pete. Whatever your personal religious beliefs, it is heartening to see creative people and organizations join forces to make this show happen!