Two Updates from the Intiman!

INTIMAN THEATRE HONORS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AT OPENING NIGHT BENEFIT PERFORMANCE OF BLACK NATIVITY: A GOSPEL SONG PLAY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

Tickets are on sale at www.intiman.org or 206.269.1900 for the 10th anniversary production, featuring Pastor Patrinell Wright and the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, running November 28-December 28

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre announces the three nonprofit programs that will be honored on the opening night performance of the holiday classic Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play on Saturday, December 1 at 8:00 pm. Through this annual tradition, Intiman dedicates funds to grassroots, community-based organizations in Puget Sound that share a commitment to social change and address the needs of underserved communities, particularly youth and families. This season’s 10^th anniversary production is sponsored in part by Safeco Insurance, with additional support from The Boeing Company, Starbucks Coffee Company and U.S. Bank.

The beneficiaries of the opening night performance are:

• Storyteller/educator Delbert Richardson takes visitors on a journey through the “American History” Exhibit, a collection that displays symbol of slavery, including slave shackles and branding irons; “Jim Crow” era signs and documents; and authentic artifacts and relics from the continent of Africa . Mr. Richardson also honors and recognizes the many contributions of African Americans by displaying an extensive collection of inventors and inventions.
• The Latino Community Fund of Washington State, a new organization that seeks to improve the well being of Latinos in Washington state, especially those most in need, by supporting local organizations that improve the health, education, community and economic development of Latinos. www.latinocommunityfund.org
• The Somali Community Services of Seattle, which works for the success of Somali and Oromo refugees to undergo a smooth transitional process and attain a self-sustainable status in their new country. It provides case management and referrals, race and social justice leadership development, education programs for youth and adults, nutrition programs and job-readiness classes, among other services. www.somalicss.org.

The opening night beneficiaries are selected by the Black Nativity Community Committee, co-chaired by Charles Rolland and Louise J. McKinney. The performance also benefits Intiman’s ongoing Mary Helen Moore Scholarship Ticket Fund. Members of the Black Nativity Community Committee are Marie Brooks, Dr. James Gore, Soya Jung Harris, Dorothy H. Mann, Georgia S. McDade, Paul Mitchell, Chris Nishiwaki, Steve Sneed and Paul Toliver.

Directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, Black Nativity is a celebration of faith, expressed through exuberant performances of song, story and dance, and reaching audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. Black Nativity will run November 28-December 28 at the Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center . Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $42, are available for purchase from www.intiman.org or over the phone from the Ticket Office at 206.269.1900.

The first act of Black Nativity retells the Christmas story through the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes. In the second act, Intiman is transformed into a joyous “nondenominational church” presided over by Pastor Patrinell Wright and the Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney. The production features gospel performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir and the Black Nativity Choir, modern and traditional choreography performed by an ensemble of dancers, and an on-stage band.

INTIMAN THEATRE HOSTS PERFORMERS FROM ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ AT BLACK NATIVITY

Karma Johnson, Sanjaya Malakar and Leah Vladowski, all alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, to join the cast for 2 pm and 7:30 pm shows on Sunday, December 2

SEATTLE— Intiman Theatre announces that three former contestants from American Idol will join the Black Nativity cast as special guests for the 2 pm and the 7:30 pm performances on Sunday, December 2. Karma Johnson (from American Idol’s first season in 2002), Leah Vladowski (who competed as Leah LaBelle in the 2004 season) and Sanjaya Malakar (a fan favorite in the 2007 season) will each sing a solo during the two performances of Intiman’s annual holiday production.

All three singers are alumni of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, founded and directed by Pastor Patrinell Wright. Pastor Wright has performed in Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play, as well as created the musical direction and arrangements, since its first production in 1998. Karma Johnson performed in Black Nativity in 2001; Leah Vladowski performed in the production for its first five years, from 1998-2002, making her debut appearance at age 12.

Television crews are welcome at both performances; a limited number of press tickets are available.

The 10^th anniversary production of Black Nativity is sponsored in part by Safeco Insurance, with additional support from The Boeing Company, Starbucks Coffee Company and U.S. Bank.

Directed by Jacqueline Moscou and choreographed by Kabby Mitchell III, Black Nativity is a celebration of faith, expressed through exuberant performances of song, story and dance, and reaching audiences of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. Black Nativity will run November 28-December 28 at the Intiman Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center . Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $42, are available for purchase from www.intiman.org or over the phone from the Ticket Office at 206.269.1900.

Intiman Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following for their institutional support: The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Ameriprise Financial, Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation, ArtsFund, The Boeing Company, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Fales Foundation Trust, Humanities Washington, Intiman Theatre Foundation, Kreielsheimer Remainder Trust, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, The Norcliffe Foundation, PONCHO, Pride Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Seattle Foundation, Theatre Communications Group, U.S. Bancorp Foundation, WaMu and Wells Fargo Bank. Additional funding is received from Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, City of Seattle ; 4Culture; Metropolitan King County Council and Washington State Arts Commission.