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Collection Data
- Description
- The collection documents the production history of Black Nativity, a gospel song-play by Langston Hughes.
- Dates / Origin
- Date Created: 1961 - 1980
- Library locations
- Billy Rose Theatre Division
- Shelf locator: *T-Mss 2003-009
- Topics
- Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967. Black nativity
- African American theater
- Genres
- Correspondence
- Photographs
- Clippings
- Programs
- Ephemera
- Notes
- Biographical/historical: Black Nativity, a gospel song-play based on a script by Langston Hughes originally titled, Wasn't That a Mighty Day, with music arranged by the show's stars, Marion Williams and Alex Bradford, was produced by Michael Santangelo and Barbara Griner. The show used two gospel singing groups: The Stars of Faith and the Bradford Singers and also starred Princess Stewart. It was directed by Vinnete Carroll and opened for a limited run on Broadway at the 41st St. Theatre in December 1961 to critical and popular acclaim. The production was invited to make its European debut at the Spoleto Festival in Italy. After Spoleto, Black Nativityopened in London where it was taped for a television special by the Westinghouse Broadcasting Company. Black Nativitycontinued to tour in Europe, the United States and Australia through 1964, with an interruption for a Christmas week run at Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center in 1962.
- Content: The Black Nativityfiles contain correspondence and memos on the production; various drafts of the script; a production handbook and a few lists of cues, costumes, songs, etc.; publicity including press releases, flyers, posters, pressbooks and production history; programs; photographs and clippings. The show, presented in many different countries, is documented by photographs, programs and reviews. Of interest are carbon copies of letters by Langston Hughes with his handwritten signature and notes added on, regarding efforts to produce Black Nativityaround the world.
- Physical Description
- Extent: 3.5 linear feet (3 boxes and 1 oversized folder)
- Type of Resource
- Text
- Still image
- Identifiers
- NYPL catalog ID (B-number): b16133410
- MSS Unit ID: 21751
- Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): 75b35f80-b0e1-0139-1e86-0242ac110005
