Past Seasons - Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe -Live Theater

Love Sung in the Key of Aretha

December 14, 2011 – January 16, 2012

Written and adapted by Nate Jacobs

Want “R-E-S-P-E-C-T?” Believe that there “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing?” Then you will love visiting with our four women who live together in a Florida apartment building. They musically review their life experiences as told through the songs made famous by the legendary “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. In this original production, we celebrate Aretha’s masterful artistry, bigger-than-life talent, and remarkable understanding of human relationships.

It is 1968 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. instills hope that the times are changing. Mattie, Carolyn, Devora and Sharon want to believe that someday the world will be a better place for them. Even though the four women are in different stages of life, they are intertwined with each other as they deal with new love, lost love and the search for love. Aretha’s lyrics take the words straight out of their hearts and put them in the greatest songs of the decade.

December 14, 2011 – January 16, 2012
Written and adapted by Nate Jacobs

Articles

The Queen of Soul

Wikipedia

PBS American Masters : Aretha Franklin

Rolling Stone: Greatest Singers of All Times

Photos of Aretha

More Photos

Aretha Franklin greatest singer in rock era: poll

Interesting facts about Aretha Franklin

Aretha’s version of “Respect,” which had a feminist-powered theme, served as a fight song for social change when it was released in 1967
Received 18 Grammy Awards and, in 1995, a lifetime achievement Grammy
Sold the most million-selling singles of any female artist
Honored as first female singer inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987)
Selected as one of the greatest entertainers of the 20^th century by Entertainment Weekly magazine
Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as the number one all-time best singer of the rock era
Awarded National Medal of Arts by President Clinton and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush

Eve of Jackie

The Eve of Jackie: A Musical Tribute to Jackie Wilson

October 6, 2014 – One Night Only

8:00 PM

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will kick off its 15-year anniversary with a one-night performance of The Eve of Jackie, a musical tribute to Jackie Wilson. Award-winning Broadway performer, Chester Gregory, stars in this raw and jaw-dropping tour de force of Jackie Wilson during his last complete performance in September 1975, one night before he collapses on stage. Known to sellout wherever it is presented, this show is a flashback to that concert in which the great artist felt compelled to share details of his troubled life. Chester masterfully performs many of the singer’s signature hits and expertly executes his awe-inspiring trademark moves.

Critics say: “There is essentially one reason . . . to see (the show) and that is the star, Chester Gregory” (NY Times); “This show was high energy from start to finish” (Trend Magazine Online); and “If this was on Broadway, this would seal Gregory the Tony Award” (The Pegasus News)

Some of your favorite troupe members will present an exciting pre-show and perform songs with Chester in The Eve of Jackie.

Don’t miss this electrifying show – you’ll be dazzled!!!!

Tickets $35-$100 and are available ONLY at the Van Wezel

Van Wezel Box Office: 941-953-3368
or http://www.vanwezel.org/boxOffice/event.cfm?eveID=1476#.U85uBPldVOF

To become a sponsor or for information, call our office: 941-366-1505

Chester Gregory's talents abound
http://youtu.be/vFhgUv-auK8

Thank you to our corporate sponsors.

Our Corporate Sponsors

World Premiere

Created and adapted by Nate Jacobs

February 19 – March 23, 2014

Imagine two legends on stage at the same time, along with some of their well-known friends, interacting and singing the songs that made them famous. Nate Jacobs honors the debonair “King of Calypso” Harry Belafonte and the incomparable singer and actress Lena Horne in an original musical revue guaranteed to delight you. These stars broke barriers and won the hearts of millions.

Cast

Victoria Byrd

Lexi DeAnda

Candace C. Culcleasure

Michael Mendez

Sheldon Rhoden

Joshua Thompson

Reviews and Interviews

Harry and Lena Reviews
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2014-02-23/featured/theater-review-wbtts-harry-and-lena-capture-the-style-of-famed-singers/

Harry and Lena opens to sold out audiences
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2014-02-17/featured/harry-and-lena-suits-groundbreaking-singing-stars/

Bubbling Brown Sugar

By Loften Mitchell

April 9 – May 11, 2014

Journey back in time to the Harlem Renaissance (1920-1940) when audiences flocked to the area’s popular nightclubs to see the greatest talents entertain. Artists like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Billie Holliday created a golden age of music with their exciting sounds and glamorous shows. You’ll jam, jump, and jive to this exuberant, three-time Tony-nominated musical revue.

Cast

Ariel Blue

Earley Dean

Denae DeShazer

Christopher Eisenberg