The Bay Area is no stranger to Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’. For over 20 years, its successful production, held at the Allen Temple Baptist Church (under the direction of the late Betty Gadling) brought together some of the best in music and arts throughout local congregations.
Smiling faces began to reminisce with each-other while entering Oakland’s Regal Jack London Theater for for a private screening of the motion picture, executive produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes
Wednesday, Nov 21st, guests of Faithinthebay.com & Talk2SV.com which also included former Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris filled the theater with laughter and emotion as they enjoyed the advanced screening.
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, Black Nativity took the audience on a theatrical and galvanizing journey with a young man named Langston, played by young actor Jacob Latimore. Named after the renowned poet and original writer of the stage play version, Langston Hughes, Langston is raised by a single mother and encounters many trials and tribulations, but soon discovers that many of his trials were blessings in disguise. The film also feature familiar faces and voices that are prominent in the industry such as Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson.
The films soundtrack, produced by local native, Raphael Saadiq, also includes another local connection. The films standout song, and underlining theme ‘Be Grateful’ is a Walter Hawkins classic. The late bishop is a Bay Area native, and founding pastor of Oakland’s Love Center Church.
Following the screening, guests mingled, laughed, and even sang together!
Black Nativity is a must see, and will be in theaters everywhere November 27, 2013. Soundtrack available online and in stores now.
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