WBTT founding member Apphia Campbell to present ‘Nina Simone: Soul Sessions’ on December 19

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to welcome back to its stage founding member Apphia Campbell, who invites audiences on a musical journey honoring soul icon Nina Simone. Nina Simone: Soul Sessions follows Campbell's life from New York to Shanghai in pursuit of artistic transformation; the show – which is currently on tour in Europe – features renditions of the very best of Simone's catalog of classic songs, in a soul-searching and intimate musical performance.

Campbell is a singer, playwright and actress. She flourished in 2014 with her critically acclaimed one-woman show, Black Is the Color of My Voice – which local audiences saw in 2013, when produced by WBTT. The show played 12 sold-out performances in Shanghai and was invited to be performed several years at the Edinburgh International Festival as well as in other European cities. She later brought the production to New York, where it also received positive reviews. 

Campbell grew up studying music and drama with Nate Jacobs and is a founding member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. 

“Apphia has shown natural talent, passion, dedication and perseverance since the age of 4, when she began working with me at the Westcoast School for Human Development. We are thrilled that she is returning to the WBTT stage and urge fans of the theatre and of the legendary Nina Simone not to miss what should be an electrifying performance,” said Jacobs. “I am very proud of Apphia’s accomplishments. She is a true product of our mentoring program."

The show takes place at the WBTT theater (1646 10th Way, Sarasota) on Monday, December 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50/adults, $30/students or active military with valid ID. Call the Box Office (941-366-1505) or go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience and attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.