Langston Hughes was often referred to as the poet laureate of black America. The Harlem Renaissance writer who penned poetry, fiction, plays, essays, and libretti for opera and Broadway musicals has been credited with being the first to use jazz and blues to support a literary style. If you've never seen the gospel-infused "Black Nativity," clear your calendar for a performance. Hughes wrote the song poem in 1961 and this is the 38th year for the Boston production. The chorus has children as young as five performing alongside parents and grandparents, and many of the singers debuted in the production decades earlier as infants in the role of baby Jesus. Tonight at 8 p.m. (through Dec. 16) $25-$41. Tremont Temple, 88 Tremont St., Boston. 800-514-3849 (weekdays), 919-653-0444 (weekends). blacknativity.org
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