Community productions

Community productions
TONIGHT
"Nativity," an original piece by Archangel Arts Center, is being performed this year in conjunction with Youngstown State University's Fine and Performing Arts Series. "Nativity" was inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes and tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from a black perspective, using Scripture readings, verse, music and dance. Dancing in the role of Mary will be Leslie Smith, who is artistic director of her own troupe in Columbus. Smith has performed with Garth Fagan Dance Company in New York, taught at Ballet Met and worked as artistic director of Repertory Dance Company in Davis, Calif. Show time, 8 p.m. in YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall, first floor. Additional performances, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students and $5 for children. Information, (330) 941-3105.
FRIDAY
There's always room in the pews at "Sanders Family Christmas," a funny, heartwarming story about a musical family who's about to lose one of its members to military service, which gives new meaning to their Christmas Eve performance at the fictional Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Christmas and gospel songs are interwoven through the play. Performed by Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St., downtown Youngstown. Show time, 8 p.m. Additional performances, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Reservations, (330) 746-0404.
DEC. 21
"The Nutcracker," featuring the combined efforts of Great Lakes Festival Ballet and Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, is a holiday tradition at W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren. Guest artist Jurijs Stafonovs will return to perform as Dieter in Act One and the Sugar Plum Fairy's cavalier in Act Two. New costumes will emphasize a theme of unity, as the dancers who performed as French Bonbons in the past will instead wear costumes that reflect the traditional garb of many countries. Show time, 7 p.m. Additional performance, 3 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets, $12 to $24. Reservations, (330) 393-9000.