Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity"

Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes created his powerful song-play using Biblical texts, poetry, and the language of ordinary “black folk.” But what fuels this colorful, rousing production, now in its 38th year in Boston, are traditional African-American Christmas songs driven by organ and piano. The diverse cast of professional and amateur performers ranges from an ensemble of adorable kids (including an infant portraying baby Jesus) to singers who’ve been in every production.
— KAREN CAMPBELL