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Message of hope strong in Playhouse’s ‘Nativity: The Hope’
By Eric McCrea
As the holidays approach, the options for theatrical distraction are plentiful, but Youngstown Playhouse has a brand new show, written and produced by Karen Clark-Green and the Green Family Dynasty.
“Nativity: The Hope” features original music, creative dance pieces and a warning about the future we have in store.
In a dystopian future, Christmas has been all but forgotten and taken over by a month-long Black Friday sale. Typical teenager Mary, played by Annalese Samuel, is planning to attend a protest about clothing dyes with her best friend, Beth (Destiny Hughes). Mary’s parents are worried about their careers and weird things that people worry about in the future. Her Grandma, played by Darlene Griffin, and Poppy, played by James E. Ferguson, remind Mary about her namesake, and the biblical story of the Nativity through flashbacks.
Meanwhile, on the underside of town, an evil Fallen Angel (Mazhorell Johnson) is trying to prevent Mary from having her baby.
She uses her influence to wreak havoc on the townspeople and Mary’s family. Things get heated at the protest, but in the midst of chaos, hope saves.
The opening piece “War in Heaven” is a conceptual dance fusing ballet and techno. Throughout the show, these themes are repeated. Ballet is key in the emotional piece “Just Breathe,” while electronic dance music seems to have a stronger influence on “Protest.”
Songs have a wide range as well. The talented midwife group added a touch of levity to the show with “No Room Blues,” culminating in the surprisingly interesting and well sung “Mary’s Lament.”
Joshua William Green and Kiara Jones playing Joseph and Mary, respectively, were amazing with their duet “You Are Mine,” which was even better reprised with Terre’ Allahn Snead and Samuel.
Arelle Green shined with her song “I Knew You Were Coming” in the role of Elizabeth. Lois Thorton capably showed excellent range with her song “How Long.”
“Deceptionality,” while not being one of the better songs in the show, was impressively sung by Johnson. She was also great in “Drink the Dam Tea.”
Griffin was exceptional with her featured number “Give Your Life Today,” heightening the most dramatic point in the show.
The younger cast members were featured in the cute song “Kids Rule,” and the entire ensemble was brought in for the show-stopping numbers “Ultimate God,” “Heaven’s Gain” and “The Hope,” leaving one to wish they had been brought in more often.
Although this cast is strong musically, the acting leaves a little to be desired. During the first act, some actors seemed to struggle with their dialogue, but by the second act, the problem had subsided. The story, while not overly complicated, doesn’t always move in a clear direction, and ends somewhat abruptly, without really clarifying what happens with the modern Mary’s baby. Despite this, the message of hope is strong.
“Nativity: The Hope” will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and at 2:30 p.m. today and Dec. 11. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.