Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Celebration

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company
Announces Holiday Classic
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Celebration

September 1, 2009 (Atlanta, GA) - Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company is proud to announce our annual holiday musical, Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Celebration, directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, with music directed and arranged by J. Michael. The Christmas story gets a soulful re-telling in this gospel musical that’s fun for the whole family. Black Nativity features a pre-professional cast (ages 14-28), and will be performed at Fulton County’s Southwest Arts Center, December 3-27, 2009.

This reinvention of the Christmas story is a soul-stirring musical celebration. A testament to the power of gospel music, the story of the Nativity is told through the combination of scripture, poetry, dance and song that connects a contemporary church revival to the time of managers and swaddling clothes. This joyous evening brings the real meaning of faith and love to life. From the same team that brought us The Wiz.

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Celebration. Directed and Choreographed by Patdro Harris, Music Direction by JMichael. December 3-21, 2009 at the Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA, 30331.

CALENDAR INFORMATION:
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Celebration at Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, December 3-27, 2009.
Performances: 12/3-4 @ 10 AM , 12/5-6, 12/12-13, 12/19-20, 12/23, 12/26-27 @ 2:30PM. 12/5, 12/8, 12/10-12, 12/15-19, 12/22-23, 12/26 @ 8 PM. 12/9 @ 7 PM, 12/17 @ 11 AM
Tickets: $20 - $35 Available at: www.truecolorstheatre.org or 1.877.725.8849. Group sales available through 404.588.0308 ext. 201.

MEDIA NIGHT:
On Wednesday, December 7, 2009 at 7 PM members of the media are invited to join True Colors Theatre Company in the opening of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: A Holiday Gospel Celebration at Fulton County’s Southwest Arts Center. Please RSVP to Jenn Dwyer at jdwyer@truecolorstheatre.org no later than Monday, November 30, 2009. Seats are subject to availability.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Patdro Harris (Director, Choreographer) has combined his directing, choreographic and writing skills to become one of the most innovative and creative talents of our time.
He is nationally and internationally recognized and respected by fans, colleagues and critics. He was voted “… best director” by the Star Tribune Minneapolis. The Washington Post hails him as a “superb choreographer”. The New York Times applauds his artistry as “praiseworthy”. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution enthusiastically commends his work as “dynamic … brilliant…solid season after season”. From New York to Los Angeles, from Paris, France, to Tokyo, Japan, his accolades have been sung. He has directed at distinguished theaters such as The Alliance Theater, Sacramento Theatre Company, Round House Theater, Liberty Theater Cultural Center, San Diego Repertory Theater Company, Penumbra Theater, Tuskegee Repertory Theater, Ensemble Theater, True Colors Theater Company, and the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. He also served as choreographer, artistic consultant, and movement director with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre D.C., City Theatre of Pittsburgh, Minneapolis Mixed Blood Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Jomandi Productions, The National Black Theatre Festival, Guthrie Theater, The National Black Arts Festival, Portland Center Stage, and Broadway’s Royal Theatre.

Jmichael (Music Director, Vocal & Music Arrangement) holds a BA Degree from Alabama State University and Masters Degree from theUniversity of Michigan. He has produced corporate shows at The Mirage and Caesar’s Palace Hotels in Las Vegas; and was a featured performer for Disney Cruises and Disneyland. His "Platters Tribute" Concept has performed with Symphony Orchestras including ten shows with the prestigious Pittsburgh Symphony, Marvin Hamlisch, Conductor. His "SoundFlyte Big Band" performs for events nationwide. "Black Nativity", "Swimming Upstream", "Ain't Misbehavin'", "The Wiz", "Piano Lesson", "Blues In The Night", and "Mahalia", are a few of the shows Jmichael has served as Music Director/Arranger. He won kudos for his acting performances in "The Piano Lesson" and "Mahalia"; and was co-writer and performed the title song for the movie, "Olive Juice".

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company Season Sponsors: Tyler Perry Studios, Metro Atlanta Arts Fund, AirTran Airways, The WSB-TV Family 2 Family Project, RadioOne Atlanta, The Kendeda Fund, Bank of America, SpaceMax Storage, WCLK Jazz 91.9, JB Media Holdings, The Coca-Cola Company, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Daily World, Georgia Power, Georgia Council for the Arts, Fulton County Arts Council, Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.