Durham Reporter

Black Nativity Durham, a soulful celebration about the birth of Jesus Christ, is returning to the stage for a live performance this year after a two-year stint of virtual productions because of COVID-19.

Producer Wendell Tabb and co-producer Xavier Cason are leading the show’s 16th year of performances in mid-December, a recent WNCN release said.

“Over the past 15 years, the show’s music evolved tremendously featuring gospel classics, rousing contemporary spiritual pieces and original music and arrangements,” Tabb said in the release.

Although Tabb has brought his own touches to the production, it was originally conceived by Langston Hughes.

“Durham’s Black Nativity has a perfect home with Triangle Performance Ensemble,” Cason said. “As it has been nurtured and cared for in our community for over ten years, I am excited to see this amazing gospel experience reach even more hearts and souls with this year’s celebration."

Tabb noted that this adaption features a cast of more than 100 singers, dancers, actors and musicians from the Triangle area.

The show will pick up where it left off, continuing the tradition of opening during the third weekend of December in its usual venue, Hillside High School’s Gattis-Tabb Theater.

Show times are 8 p.m. on Dec. 16, 3 p.m. on Dec. 17, and 3 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 18. Tickets are available at blacknativitydurham.com. Proceeds from the shows will support the Jeanne H. Lucas Scholarship Fund.