North Carolina Museum of Art
Directed by Stephanie Howard (Asabi) Music Director: Ray Watkins. Choreography by Kristi V. Johnson and Toya Chinfloo
“For unto us, a child is born...” Join us for a special concert!
Artistic leaders Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) and Ray Watkins bring this soaring 45-minute gospel concert to life featuring nine soloists, West African and contemporary dance, a live band, vibrant costumes, and a beautifully poignant narrative.
FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This event is OUTSIDE - bring a lawn chair and blanket. General seating.
The perfect family holiday experience.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
No smoking is allowed inside venue gates.
Production of Black Nativity in Concert
Sponsored by Carol Woods Retirement Community
Written and Directed by
Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard)
Music Direction and Original Music Arrangements
Rev. Ray Watkins
Choreography
Kristi Vincent Johnson and Toya Chinfloo
Production Stage Management
Brianna Johnson
Costume Design
Lydia Houston
Scenic Design
Jeffrey Nugent
THE BLACK NATIVITY CAST
(in alphabetical order)
Kimberly Britt, Wanda Holloway, Carolyn Kerr, Connie McCoy Leach, Taufiki Lee, Lauren Foster-Lee, Marvin Outlaw, Haven Powell, Tamisha Waden
THE BLACK NATIVITY DANCERS
Lydia Banuelos, Ahsa Li Chinfloo, Aisha Mayo, Jordan Farrell, Rondejia King, Aisha Adell, Trinity Taylor
THE BLACK NATIVITY ORCHESTRA:
Reverend Ray Watkins, Ayinde Hurrey, Bashir Shakur, Jeremy Mabery, Jeremy Mabery, Jr., Darrin Pratt
Technical Director
Jeffrey Nugent
Stage Lighting Design
Cory Arnold
Sound Design
B.B. Nation
THE JUSTICE THEATER PROJECT STAFF
Executive Producer Melissa Zeph
Producing Artistic Director Jerry Sipp
Business Manager Marguerite LeBlanc
Administration Melissa Reilly
Marketing Slee Arnold
Artistic Administrative Associate Olivia Allen
SPECIAL THANKS
The North Carolina Museum of Art
BLACK NATIVITY is sponsored by
Carol Woods Retirement Community
Solidarity Capital
Aqua Terra Therapies
The Justice Theater Project is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission. The Justice Theater Project is supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
Dr. Asabi (Stephanie Howard) (Director) is an Associate Professor of Theatre at North Carolina Central University, where she serves as Chair. She has received a Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival directing award (2014 & 2016) and NCCU College of Liberal Arts Awards in Outstanding Teaching, Scholarship, and Playwriting. She has directed shows such as The Bluest Eye and for colored girls… & for black boys (her original compilation) which were selected features at the 2015 & the 2013 National Black Theatre Festivals; The Color Purple; Ruined; Sarafina; Slappin’ God in the Face (her original work); Fabulation; Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery; From the Mississippi Delta; Blues for an Alabama Sky; and The Amen Corner. She also authored God Spoke My Name: Maya Angelou; Reaching for God with Dirty Hands and Tainted Blood and Distorted Beauty.
The Justice Theatre Project
Black Nativity In Concert 2021
The Ensemble: Lauren Foster Lee, Wanda Holloway, Connie McCoy Leach, Carolyn DeWitt Kerr, Haven Powell, Tamisha Waden, Kimberly Britt, Taufiki Lee, and Marvin Outlaw
“The Presence of the Lord Is Here” by Byron Cage - sung by Marvin Outlaw
“Already Here” by Brian Courtney Wilson, Sung by: Marvin Outlaw and Ensemble
“No Room” Original arrangement by Raymond S. Watkins, Sung by Ensemble
"Oh Holy Night", “Oh Come Let us Adore Him” by John Francis Wade, arranged by Raymond S. Watkins, Sung by: Taufiki Lee, and Ensemble
“Mary Did You Know” by Lowry, Greene and English, re-arranged by Raymond S. Watkins, Sung by: Carolyn DeWitt Kerr, Haven Powell, Lauren Foster Lee, and Ensemble
“Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel, arranged by Mervyn Warren, sung by: Connie McCoy Leach and Ensemble
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” Traditional African-American Spiritual, arranged by: Raymond S. Watkins, Sung By: Kimberly Britt and Ensemble
“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” Traditional African American Hymn, arranged by: Raymond S. Watkins, Sung By: Tamisha Waden and Ensemble
“If You Confess The Lord Medley” arranged by: Raymond S. Watkins, Sung by Ensemble
“Perfect Praise” by: Brenda Moore, arranged by: Nolan Williams Jr., Sung by Wanda Holloway and Ensemble
“He Reigns” by Vincent Bohanan, sung by Kimberly Britt and Ensemble
“Emmanuel” by Norman Hutchins, Sung by Ensemble
