The Soul Crooners, a musical adaptation by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's (WBTT) Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, will open the Troupe's summer season on Tuesday, July 12, at the WBTT theater at 1646 10th Way in Sarasota. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased either online at wbttroupe.org or by calling 941-366-1505. The limited run includes twelve performances, ending on Sunday, July 24. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

"When we first performed this revue, it was a big success," recalled Nate Jacobs. "Word of mouth spread quickly and performances began to sell out. We are very excited to revive this show in our own home, a real theater performance space.  The audience is in for a real good time!"

The Soul Crooners is a celebration of the music that ushered in a new era of soul during the 70s. The music was known for combining lush orchestrations with great vocalists who could sing unforgettable melodies and heavenly harmonies. Summer audiences will enjoy over 40 hits sung by an all-male ensemble. The cast includes seven familiar members of the Troupe who have been entertaining audiences for many seasons. They are Founder Nate Jacobs, Porter Anderson III, Emmanuel Avraham, Charles Manning, Mikeyy Mendez, Leon S. Pitts II and Sheldon Rhoden. Among the featured songs are hits from artists that embodied this feel-good music, including The Stylistics, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and many more!!

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. (WBTT) was founded in December 1999, by local actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. It is the only professional black theater company on Florida's West Coast.

The mission of WBTT is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, and attracts diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth.

Throughout the past decade, WBTT has produced many productions locally and around the state of Florida. The company has gained a reputation for high quality, thought-provoking and entertaining performances.

Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth through participation in the company's productions. It has provided a platform for talented individuals who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to cultivate their interests and talents. Many of the aspiring professional artists trained in the WBTT performing arts program have gone on to work with national and regional companies such as The Black Theatre Troupe, Phoenix Arizona; The Cumberland County Playhouse, Crossville, Tennessee; Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota, Florida; The Asolo Rep, Sarasota, Florida; Stage Door Theatre, Coral Springs, Florida; and Mad River Theatre, West Liberty, Ohio. The company has provided a springboard for many national careers including Apphia Campbell and Teresa Stanley, a featured cast member of The Color Purple and Dreamgirls on Broadway and the national tour of Rock of Ages. In 2010 13-year-old Troupe member Chris Eisenberg made it to the top 48, out of thousands of contestants, on the television show America's Got Talent.

For more information on WBTT, visit the website at www.wbttroupe.org, follow on Facebook or call 941-366-1505.