Family-friendly summer production to feature book and lyrics by Nate Jacobs
SARASOTA, FL – This summer, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is pleased to present Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane, a rousing, family-friendly musical comedy that gives fairytales a new twist. Audiences will follow storylines featuring fairytale characters such as Jack (of giant beanstalk fame), Snow White, Prince Charming, Goldilocks, the three little pigs, and more. The show runs July 25 through August 12, with evening performances at 8 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m. at the Westcoast Black Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).
The book and music were written, and the production is being directed, by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. The initial version of this show was written 20 years ago when Jacobs was running the performing arts program at the Westcoast School for Human Development. An abbreviated version was performed by summer campers at WBTT’s Stage of Discovery musical theatre intensive in 2016. While Jacobs has written scores of musical revues, this is his first show featuring all-original music.
The cast includes a number of WBTT favorites, including Ariel Blue, Ashley D. Brooks, Earley Dean, Cherise James and Henry Washington. Talented young dancers Derric Gobourne, Jr., Joshua Thompson and Topaz von Wood are featured as well. Serving as musical director and pianist is LaTerry Butler; other musicians include Jamar Camp on auxiliary keys, John Walker on drums, and Johnnie Barker on bass.
Production stage manager is Juanita Munford, production manager is James "Jay" Dodge II, assistant stage manager is Travis Ray, lighting designer is Michael Pasquini, costume designer is Angela Franklin-Mayo, choreographer is Donald Frison, and property master is Annette Breazeale.
"The first time I staged this show at the Westcoast School for Human Development, we invited students from several area public schools to see the show; a few weeks later, I received letters from both students and teachers telling me how much they enjoyed the performance," said Jacobs. "While WBTT has presented shows that are suitable for younger audiences, this production will be just perfect for families with younger children to enjoy together.”
Tickets are $29.50/adults, $15/students and active military (with valid ID); children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket (limit four free children’s tickets with the purchase of each adult ticket). Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.
