ArtsCentric’s production of “Black Nativity,” now showing at Baltimore Center Stage, is on an extended run due to popular demand. (Photo courtesy Facebook)
By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to The AFRO
Baltimore theatergoers gathered at Baltimore Center Stage recently for a dazzling and heartfelt production of Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” as reimagined by ArtsCentric. The evening was not just a celebration of the holiday season but also a transformative experience that connected audiences to the vibrancy of Black culture, community and faith.
ArtsCentric’s production, with original music by Cedric D. Lyles and choreography by Shalyce Hemby, breathed new life into Hughes’ iconic script. Hughes, a literary giant of the Harlem Renaissance, originally wrote “Black Nativity” in 1961 as a retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth through the lens of Black culture, infusing it with gospel music, poetry and the spirit of an authentic Black church.
The performance paid homage to Hughes’ vision while modernizing it to resonate with today’s audience.
“The beauty of ‘Black Nativity’ is that it fits any type of church environment, any community,” said Lyles, who has worked with this piece for over 20 years. “With ArtsCentric’s presentation, it’s an opportunity to see all of our community’s power in a musical theater format.”
Lyles explained the process of crafting the music, much of which he composed or arranged.
“Langston Hughes gave us this great script with traditional spirituals, but there was no score. I wanted to make the first act an actual musical, where every line, song and movement tells one cohesive story.”
The result was breathtaking. With songs like “No Room” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” the cast captivated the audience, their voices harmonizing in anthems that moved people to tears and joy. The choreography by Hemby added dynamic movement that reflected both reverence and celebration, grounding the production in a rich physicality that complemented the music perfectly.
ArtsCentric’s production of “Black Nativity,” now showing at Baltimore Center Stage, is on an extended run due to popular demand. (Photo courtesy Facebook)
The audience was treated to much more than a theatrical performance—it was a full-blown celebration. Despite the chilly December air, the warmth inside the theater was palpable as people from all walks of life came together to experience the power of “Black Nativity.” The theater was alive with energy, from the vibrant music to the crowd’s enthusiastic reactions.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a small marketplace featuring local vendors, offering an opportunity for small businesses to showcase and sell their goods. The event also included a pre-show ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the start of a production that felt deeply rooted in community and tradition.
For Lyles, the night was emotional.
“Many of these songs I wrote over 20 years ago when I was in college,” he shared. “Standing here now, hearing them performed and seeing how they resonate with people today, I reflect on where I was then and who I am now. It’s deeply moving.”
Audience members were just as inspired.
“This production is incredible,” said Angela Simmons, an audience member. “It felt like being in church but on a whole new level. The music, the dancing—it was all so powerful and uplifting.”
Others praised the modern relevance of the production.
“ArtsCentric has reimagined this classic in a way that makes it speak to today,” said Michael James, a longtime supporter of the arts. “It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come as a community and how much strength we have.”
ArtsCentric’s interpretation of Hughes’ work emphasized the timelessness of its message.
“It’s about meeting people where they are,” Lyles noted. “The goal was to create something that speaks to us today while honoring Hughes’ legacy. I think we’ve done that.”
Act Two was transformative. From the moment the lights came back up to begin the second act, the audience was transported to the warmth and energy of a Black church. Gospel songs filled the air, uplifting the crowd and transforming the theater into a sanctuary of praise.
Ensemble member Ryan Gholson, whose past performances include work with the Czech Philharmonic, Philadelphia Opera and Soulful Symphony, delivered a show-stopping vocal performance that “took us to church.” Gholson, a seasoned performer with credits in “The Color Purple,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Porgy and Bess,” brought a deep resonance and authenticity to the production, leaving the audience in awe.
“Ryan’s performance was a highlight of the evening,” said Angela Simmons, an audience member. “His voice carried so much soul and power—it felt like being back in a Sunday service.”
As the audience left the theater, many were already humming the songs and sharing their favorite moments. The night wasn’t just about watching a performance—it was about feeling a connection to community, culture, and the universal spirit of the holiday season.
ArtsCentric’s Black Nativity is a triumph that reaffirms the power of theater to unite and inspire. If you haven’t seen it yet, make time this holiday season for an experience that will fill your heart with joy and your soul with song.
