Thornton Students Present Black Nativity To Packed House

From Mt. Vernon Schools: Dr. Evelyn Collins told the audience members packed into The Phylicia Rashad Auditorium for the December 19 performance of Black Nativity that they were in for a treat, and the students of the performing and visual arts magnet program at Thornton High School delivered just that!

The much-anticipated Winter Showcase opened with holiday classics performed by band and orchestra students. The visual art students were featured in a video that detailed their process in creating art. All were well received by the captive audience.

The audience had been effectively warmed up for Act II, the students’ presentation of Collins’ adaptation of Black Nativity by Langston Hughes.

“This show is unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” Dr. Collins told the audience. “The students have worked very hard, and it’s wonderful to see everyone out on this cold night to support them!”

Black Nativity was the first showcase in the history of the program’s five-year existence that featured the entire school in performances both onstage and behind the scenes. The 126 musical theatre students in grades 6-11 made up the choir and stopped the show with three musical performances; the 100 dance majors were featured in seven dance performances that celebrated the spirit of Black Nativity and beautifully forwarded the plot; and the acting majors provided the thread that connected the narrative of the story.

Next up for the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet students will be their Talent Show: Mount Vernon’s Got Talent II on January 10 at 6:30 PM in the Experimental Theatre. An Open House will be held on January 29 at 6:30 p.m. for interested families with children entering grades 6-9 in September 2020. All events will be held in Nellie Thornton High School, 121 South 6th Avenue in Mount Vernon.

This press released was produced by Mt. Vernon Schools. The views are the author’s own.