The Nativity presented by Congo Square Theatre Company at Goodman Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The absence of the word “Black” this year certainly doesn't signal any retreat from the proud presentation of the Gospel in the African-American tradition. It's just that “Black Nativity” refers to a specific work by the great Langston Hughes, which was a groundbreaker on Broadway in 1961 and has been a seasonal staple in American cities from Washington D.C. to Columbus, Ohio, for almost half a century. In Hughes' traditional “Black Nativity,” the first half of the night is spent on an African-American telling of the biblical events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ (traditionally here fused with Afrocentric dance), while the second act consists of a concert that celebrates the long and powerful history of black gospel music."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Originally titled “Black Nativity” (a more fitting title, to be sure), the work was devised in 1961 by Langston Hughes, the great Harlem Renaissance poet, and reinvented by composer-adapter-arranger McKinley Johnson of Chicago. In the tradition of “Hot Mikado,” the swing version of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, the show puts a hip edge — musically, verbally and movementwise — on familiar material, and in the process links the pivotal Bible story set in the Holy Land with the spiritual landscape of the contemporary African-American church."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"... As in earlier productions, Joseph and Mary are represented as silent dancers, enacting teen anguish and religious ecstasy with grace and vigor. McKinley Johnson's script has a bit of narrative padding, but also a lot of unexpected humor--including digs at rapacious bankers. And the songs--a combination of originals and new arrangements by composer/musical director Jaret Landon--deliver soul-stirring power. Alexis Rogers's rendition of "O Holy Night" may be the best I've ever heard."

Centerstage - Highly Recommended

"...High drama, music and dance manages to enliven every second of the production’s 90 minutes, without intermission. “The Nativity” is a holiday must see."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Alexi J. Rogers leads the excellent cast of singers who produced  sweet harmonies and rich solos nailing all the emotions of the nativity story. A blend of gospel, blues, traditional Christmas tunes with hints of African rhythms, Jaret Landon’s deeply felt music raises the spirits of the season.  We hear favorites like “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” Silent Night,” “We Three Kings’ and “Go Tell it on the Mountain” with sparkling blues-orientated arrangements.  This 90  minute song fest is an engrossing holiday treat rich in originality from an African-American tradition. It’ll lift your spirits."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...I recommend The Black Nativity as a holiday tradition for everyone no matter your race or religious tradition. It’s perfect for the whole family and as an introduction to musical theater for younger children. Kudos to all of the parents in the audience as this was one of the best intergenerational audiences I have had the pleasure to be in. Happiest of Holidays to Everyone!"