By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

As a first-time attendee, Jujuan Johnson of the East Side had no idea of what to expect at this year's production of "Black Nativity" at the King Arts Complex.

In contrast, Barbara Wallace anticipated a favorite ballet scene in the second act because she well knew the Langston Hughes musical as presented by the arts complex and Nia Performing Arts.

"My step-dad's the narrator," she said.

Ricardo Jones narrated solo in the first act, which depicted the traditional story culminating with the birth of Jesus, and was joined in the second act by Ronald E. Hairston, director of the production. Act II dealt with "Birth and Rebirth," and brought the audience into the church world of 2008.

Stage veteran Hairston chose the theme to speak to the Birth of Jesus and the rebirth of our nation, with an optimistic eye toward renewal in the Obama presidency.

He added his usual high-energy performance as the pastor leading "Meeting Tonight."

Part of the opening night crowd went to support cast members -- for Charme Propps, one of her biology students; for Charity Sumling, 16, it was dancer Krystal Berkley.

"They all sound like professional singers," Marty Harmon said.

She and her husband, Richard, gave the performance two thumbs up in appreciation for the dancing as well as the singing.

Even if they hadn't other audience members' hands raised in praise during the final number showed that the meaning of the season had connected those on stage with those in the seats

This year marks the ninth for Nia's production and Black Nativity and marketer Nanette Hodge promised the work will gain steam for the rest of its four-day run at the arts complex, 867 Mount Vernon Ave., with Sunday being the closing day.