A Son Is Given: An urban ballet puts new twist on nativity story |

What happens when you mix murder, scandal and dance with the Nativity story? This Christmas, opening December 21 at the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square, New Community Bible Fellowship presents the answer in an original stage production ‘A Son is Given: An Urban Ballet’ (ASIG). The story is told in a distinctly urban manner blending modern dance, hip-hop, ballet and jazz with comedy and drama.

Cleveland native, Myron Davis, Playwright, Composer and Director states that “Our desire is to present the message of this story with beauty, passion and clarity so when people see ASIG they have a deeper sense of what Christmas means.”

Notable Clevelander: James Pickens Jr. and cast member to NBC’s Grey Anatomy is a supporter through his foundation – the James Pickens Jr. Foundation. 

With the growing success of many black stage productions, urban theatre is steadily moving into the mainstream. New Community’s creative team hopes A Son Is Given wins over audiences and critics alike in their first attempt at a production of this caliber.

Cleveland native, Kenya Woods, is principle choreographer and renowned choreographer, Dianne McIntyre-also a native Clevelander, is consulting choreographer. The show has 13 dance scenes with some of Cleveland’s most dynamic dancers.

ASIG will run Friday, December 21 at 7:30, Saturday, December 22, at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday, December 23, at 3pm at the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square. Tickets are available at the Playhouse Square for $25 and $40. www.playhousesquare.org