Black Christians have the opportunity to catch a family-friendly holiday production in Atlanta. Dominion Entertainment Group Presents Black Nativity: A Gospel Christmas Musical Experience. The production will show from now through Dec. 17 at the Ferst Center on Georgia Tech‘s campus in Atlanta. The all-star cast features Latrice Pace of the Pace Sisters, “Jojo” Clarke from “America’s Got Talent,” and gospel singers Lawrence Flowers and Chris Hagan.
Recently, star actor Dathan Thigpen spoke to rolling out about the show and his favorite Christmas memories.
Why should Black families watch Black Nativity: A Gospel Christmas Musical Experience?
Although all are welcome to come and watch this amazing production, Black Nativity ATL has a beautiful way of telling the nativity story from a cultural perspective that most resonates with our people, African Americans. And it’s told by an entirely Black cast through scripture, poetry, singing, and dancing.
You’ve been in this Dominion Entertainment adaptation for several years. What is one word you have to describe that experience?
One word to describe my experience with being cast in Black Nativity over the past nine years is felicitous. Yeah, I had to look it up too. Felicitous means well-chosen or suited to the circumstances. When I auditioned for Dominion Entertainment’s Black Nativity in 2014, I knew I belonged.
It’s hard to explain, but I was with my people. With the perfect mix of gospel, church, and theater, it was home for me and, indeed, the beginning of a long-standing relationship with this work.
What is your favorite Christmas/holiday tradition?
When I was around my sons’ ages, maybe 12 or 13, I remember the local radio station had one of those “be the fourth caller and win a prize” situations, and my mom called in and won a real Christmas tree. My brothers and I helped her pick it out, and my dad and I brought it back to the house. We had never had a real Christmas tree before then. And we didn’t after that, honestly, because those needles being everywhere were a pain after a while. I recently started a new tradition three years ago with my boys to get a real tree for Christmas. They usually help me pick it out, and we take it home to decorate. After Christmas, we take it to the backyard and set it ablaze for a bonfire with s’mores. We enjoy it.
What would Langston Hughes say about Dominion Entertainment Group’s gospel rendition of his art?
I think Langston Hughes and the rest of the world would truly say Black Nativity ATL is the best adaptation of this production, hands down! But don’t take my word for it. Come and see for yourself.
Who are you playing in Black Nativity, and how has this role stretched you?
I am playing Frederick Wiseman, the nephew of the church’s deacon and one of the shepherds. I’m being stretched in the role of shepherd this year to find deeper meaning in what is typically a comic relief role infused with good singing and sweet harmonies.
What’s significant about the shepherds is that they are the first to discover Jesus’ birth. The shepherds near Bethlehem were responsible for raising sheep for sacrifice at the temple. Animal sacrifice was the temporary basis for covering sin. These temple shepherds were trained on how to pick the perfect lamb for slaughter. Little did they know that Jesus would later be that perfect lamb, atoning the sins of the world, eventually putting them out of work. Understanding those details puts a little more weight on the role of the shepherd, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the story come alive on stage with this amazing cast.
What was it like working on Tyler Perry’s “The Have & The Have Nots?”
Cool story: I worked on Madea’s Neighbors From Hell in 2013. I remember discussing with the director at rehearsal that I have a history of working with choirs. He remembered that and called me years later. He said Mr. Perry needed a choir and asked me to find one in 24 hours. I was in my hometown in Mississippi at the time, but I called some friends and family there, and we got on the road and made it happen. We sang “Amazing Grace” on the episode of a little girl’s funeral scene. It was special because we filmed on my birthday and I got to be with family and friends. Plus, I got a check. Mr. Perry is always pleasant to work with, and I truly admire his work ethic and love for our culture and promoting us.
He is truly a blessing to the world, and I’m so glad everyone can finally start appreciating him for the work he’s doing in our community, as I have since 2013.
What was it like working on Beyoncé’s Black Is King?
Man, that moment is still so surreal. Like, I was really in a Disney film with Beyoncé singing “Spirit” in my little purple suit. Ahhh! Talk about work ethic; she’s another extremely hard and dedicated artist. I got to see firsthand her execute a dance with power and precision as we waited for our scene. And she’s a bit of a perfectionist. She nailed that dance in the very first take to me but insisted she do it again to make it right. We finally got to our scene, and she flawlessly sang “Spirit” three times in a row with us, and every take was perfect. No lie. She’s that good!
What are your tips for any actor or actress cast in a Christian production?
We, as Christian performers, have a slight advantage. God puts his super on our natural, and we can truly shine through Him. In a Christian production, it’s welcomed to be your supernatural self and shine unashamedly.
What would you say to people who are on the fence about going to see the play?
Count this as your sign; you should most definitely come. Get off that fence before you break something! (In my mom’s voice) I’m sure it’s uncomfortable up there anyway. Visit www.blacknativityatl.com sooner than later to get your tickets. And tell your loved ones to go as well.
