The Paul Robeson Theatre is holding a spectacular version of the birth of Jesus Christ this season, told through the eyes of Langston Hughes. "Black Nativity" brings African dance and heavenly gospel music to life with a stage is full of talented actors whose passion captivated the audience as they portrayed the life and times of Mary and Joseph.
The cast consisted of an ensemble of four women and three men whose riveting voices set the theatre on fire. They played it as though Jesus' birth had taken place that evening.
"This is definitely one of Buffalo's best-kept secrets, hands down," said Pittsburgh native Monte Greene.
The musicians did a spectacular job in adding the right elements. Their talent ranged from dramatic scenes to comical interludes by the witty narrator. The thunderous drums brought biblical days to life as chimes and percussion sounds smoothed over like enchanting waterfalls. Members of the audience were awestruck by the rhythmic gospel music as if it were a Sunday morning service.
The narrator, played by Willie Judson Jr., had a delivery comparable to Samuel L. Jackson with his sharp tone and prophet-like decrees through a megaphone. Judson is an actor and producer who has been playing Western New York stages for over 30 years.
Mary and Joseph enthralled the crowd as a breathtaking duo. Mary was played by Buffalo native Kenya Hall, who came back to her roots after graduating from University of Pittsburgh to display her mesmerizing talent at the African-American Cultural Center in her home town. Myles Stubblefield, who began singing at the age of 6 and dancing at the age of 13, performed like a connoisseur of theatre and dance as Joseph.
Phobie "Muhibba" Davis, a veteran of this theater, delivered a strong, soul-touching experience through her singing as part of the female ensemble. One would have to be deaf not to be moved by her ineffable voice.
Third grader Alex Christian of Cheektowaga Union East School was thrilled to make his stage debut as the Shepherd Boy. His angelic voice echoed as he sang "Drummer Boy." The crowd seemed delightfully pleased with his youthful performance.
The audience witnessed angelic beauty as Nina Sanders floated across the stage dressed in flowing, seraphic white garments. The graceful actress is a 2005 graduate of Buffalo State College and is an active member of the Janet Reed and Dancers Professional Dance Company. This is her third role in a play at the Paul Robeson Theatre.
Charles A. Everhart Sr. appeared Friday night for his second season in "Black Nativity" as a part of the three-man ensemble. His deep voice echoed throughout the theatre like a mountainous lion. Everhart's career as a gospel singer extends over a forty-year period and it really showed in his charismatic performance. He is a must see.
The play's finale brought the entire cast together to sing "Joy to The World." This up-tempo song showcased spirited dancing and pulled together the beautiful variation of voices from all the actors, taking the audience far outside of Buffalo.
The Paul Robeson Theatre is nestled in the African-American Cultural Center located at 350 Masten Ave. in Buffalo. It is the oldest African-American theater in Western New York, founded in 1968. For ticket information and schedules, visit www.paulrobesontheatre.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
