Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to announce that it will present two musical revues during its summer season, which will run in July and August. The Soul Crooners will be presented for two weeks, July 12-24 and Dynamic Duets of the 70s will run from August 16-28. Tickets are priced at $25 each and are on sale now. They may be purchased on the website www.wbttroupe.org or by calling 941-366-1505.

"We are very excited that we can now offer two seasons of wonderful entertainment," remarked Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. "We opened our new home with the shorter summer season last year, in order to try out our new theater space and see what needed to be done. Now we have a full four-play season under our belt, many improvements to our facility and a growing audience that loves what we do. Summer will sizzle at WBTT!"

The Soul Crooners is a celebration of the music that ushered in a new era of soul, one with lush orchestrations, unforgettable melodies, heavenly harmonies and great vocalists. Audiences will enjoy over 40 sweet soul hits sung by a talented all-male ensemble! The show features songs from artists that embodied this feel-good music, including The Stylistics, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and more!!

The Dynamic Duets of the 70s will feature the sexy, sophisticated soul and rhythm & blues hits of that era. This unique musical revue will put you in the mood for love as it takes you down memory lane. The talented cast of eight singers promises to have you groovin' to the musical hookups of Ashford & Simpson, Rick James and Teena Marie, Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. and more...  As the saying goes, "sometimes it takes two to make it outta sight!"

"The magic of music and the memories it brings back to all of us will be center stage this summer at WBTT," continued Jacobs. "Tickets are starting to sell, so don't wait if you want to enjoy these fun-filled evenings during the summer months."

BACKGROUND:

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the first and only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to "produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, which attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth." Since its inception, WBTT has produced nearly 40 productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and DreamGirls on Broadway and the national tour of Rock of Ages. Chris Eisenberg, the youngest member of the Troupe, was in the top 48 finalists of NBC's "America's Got Talent" in 2010.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe reached a new benchmark in the summer of 2010, when it established its first official home at 1646 10th Way in Sarasota, FL. After 10 years of moving to different theaters and spaces to perform, the theater troupe finally has its own space. For more information visit the website www.wbttroupe.org or call 941-366-1505.