June 12 – 23, 2024

WBTT presented a short-run, June 12 – 23, 2024, of Melda Beaty’s Coconut Cake in conjunction with four other theatre companies as part of the show’s rolling world premiere. This play was the winner of the Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award at the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival. The comedy tells the story of four retirees who spend their days debating the mysteries of life over coffee and games of chess at a local McDonald’s. But when a mysterious woman moves to town, tempting Eddie Lee and his chess buddies to indulge in her melt-in-your-mouth coconut cake and medicine cabinet secrets, their lives are changed forever. The show starred K. Sidney Brunson, Lawrence Evans, Lee Palmer, David Sitler, and Jacob Smith. A special performance was held during WBTT’s annual Juneteenth Arts Festival free to the community.

Click through the gallery below for photos, reviewer comments and information about the creative team and the generous sponsors who made this show possible.

Graphic design by Paula Murray, Artefact Design
Video by Bill Wagy Productions
Photos by Sorcha Augustine