Past Seasons - Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe -Live Theater

“Sammy” Tonight!

August 21 - September 1, 2013

Back by popular demand!!!

WBTT once again presents the multi-talented De’zhon Fields as the incomparable Sammy Davis Jr. This musical revue features all the hits Sammy made famous, including “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” “Mr. Bojangles” and “Candy Man.” For the past ten years, Mr. Fields has traveled worldwide showcasing his homage to the superstar known as “Mr. Entertainment.” Get out of the warm summer air and into the cool nightclub-like atmosphere with this hot! hot! hot! entertainer.

“Dazzling with talent and bedazzled with Davis’ signature diamonds, Fields casts a magnificent glow as star of the show”

Observer Group

“Fields bears a striking resemblance to Davis both physically and in his singing, and capitalizes on that gift with a nightclub-style show that will be a walk down memory lane”

Herald Tribune

Cast

Ariel Blue

De’zhon Fields

Tsadok Porter

The Fabulous Five

August 22 – September 2, 2012

{description}This new show features five of your favorite WBTT guys singing the hit songs from the popular non-Motown stars of the 1960s,like Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and more! Sheldon, Michael, Leon, Charles, and Chris will have you swooning, smiling, snapping, and singing along with such songs as Lonely Teardrops, You Send Me, and Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher.{/description}

The Whipping Man

by Matthew Lopez

January 2 – February 2, 2014

It is April 1865 and the Civil War has ended. A wounded Jewish Confederate soldier discovers his family home is nearly destroyed and only two former slaves remain. As they reunite to celebrate Passover, the annual holiday of freedom from bondage, they uncover a series of secrets that bind them together but, ultimately, might cost each man his freedom. A compelling, thought-provoking drama.

Cast

Creative Team

Matthew Lopez - Playwright

Howard Millman - Director

James Sale

Reviews and Interviews

Whipping Man: Radio Interview with Howard and Drew (actual interview starts at 22:51)
http://sarasotatalkradio.com/2014/01/the-mezz-january-11th-2014-the-sarasota-chorus-of-the-keys-with-president-patrick-kilbane-and-the-whipping-man-with-director-howard-millman-and-actor-drew-foster/

Bradenton Herald: Sarasota production of 'The Whipping Man' scores
http://www.bradenton.com/2014/01/06/4922157/sarasota-production-of-the-whipping.html

THEATER REVIEW: 'The Whipping Man'
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/longboat-key/A-and-E/0107201431359/THEATER-REVIEW-The-Whipping-Man

PREVIEW: 'The Whipping Man' reveals itself in layers
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2013-12-27/section/preview-the-whipping-man-reveals-itself-in-layers/

Soul Crooners

February 20 - March 24, 2013

Conceived and adapted by Nate Jacobs

By popular demand, WBTT revisits the soul music of the 1970s with unforgettable melodies, heavenly harmonies, and great vocalists. You’ll fall in love again with your favorite guys from the original show (Charles, Leon, Mikeyy, Nate and Sheldon)who masterfully croon new songs from the greatest singers of that engaging era.

What is Soul Music?

Soul music has been defined as music that arose out of the black experience in America through the modification of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of funky, secular testifying (lyrics). Characteristics include catchy rhythms, handclaps and a call and response between the soloist and the chorus. Listen for the occasional addition of improvisation or auxiliary sounds.

There are many styles of soul music – from the classic recordings in the early years to those that are more in a pop music vein by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson.

In the beginning of the 1970s, soul music was influenced by psychedelic rock and other genres. The end of the Vietnam War and rock's political statements inspired artists like Gaye and Curtis Mayfield to incorporate hard-hitting social commentary into their lyrics. Soul music also continued to express the African-American experience, capturing the increasingly troubled nature of the times.

Artists like James Brown led soul towards funk music, which became a typical sound of a number of 1970 bands. A new generation of street-corner harmony or "city-soul" groups also came into existence.

Later in the decade, disco and funk dominated the charts and soul music changed direction once again to what has been called the "quiet storm." It was influenced by soft rock and adult contemporary styles, resulting in songs with a relaxed tempo and soft melody.

NATE JACOBS (Creator/Director/Singer)