Created and directed by Nate Jacobs

July 8 – August 9, 2015

The Joint is Jumpin’ once again as Westcoast Black Theatre reprises our electrifying original debut show from 2000, the Cotton Club Cabaret.  We close out our 15^th anniversary year with this high spirited, high stepping musical revue featuring favorite songs from the greatest entertainers of the Harlem Renaissance era, such as Fats Waller, Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Lena Horne. You’ll be transported back in time to the legendary premier nightclub of old Harlem, right here in Sarasota.

Cast

TERRELL ALEXANDER

ARIEL BLUE

SHELTON BROWN

TARRA CONNER JONES*

EARLEY DEAN

CHARLES WESTLEY LATTIMORE JR.*

MARTA MCKINNON

CHAKARA ROSA

JOSHUA THOMPSON

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

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

Taurean Blacque

Robert Douglas

Drew Foster

Creative Team

Timothy Beltley

Richard Cannon

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/

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

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}