The Black Nativity

Up until four days ago, I had never heard of this show. It is a gospel-musical sort of play, written by Langston Hughes, the Harlem Renaissance poet. The show went on Broadway in 1961 and was apparently met with critical acclaim. Combining Hughes' poetry/prose with scripture, gospel songs, and dance, "The Black Nativity" tells the story of Christ's birth. My family and I saw it last night at a small theater in River North and it was fantastic. I don't remember how I found out about the show because there has been an astonishing lack of publicity, but if you're in Chicago, I highly, highly recommend it. If you're not in Chicago and in a kind of large city, see if there is a local showing. It was joyful, spiritual, heartwarming, and so different from the usual "Christmas shows." I think I cried four separate times.

I really loved it, so here's the information for it: Congo Square Theater (performing at Chicago Performing Arts Theater, or something like that). Get tickets at theaterland.com.