Purlie
October 8 - November 9, 2025

In this Tony-Award winning Broadway show, Purlie, a self-taught preacher returns to his home in the Jim Crow South to reclaim his inheritance, save his community church and free the oppressed workers. The problem is that Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee, the domineering plantation owner, is unfairly holding Purlie's inheritance. With the help of Ol' Cap'n's son, Charlie, Purlie manages to outsmart the white-haired old-timer to win a victory for freedom.

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Langston Hughes' Black Nativity
November 20 - December 21, 2025

We are delighted to once again present Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity. This year’s version features new faces and voices, including some Stage of Discovery youth performers. This show is a celebration of the nativity story, with gospel, blues, spiritual and Christmas music paired with the poetry of Langston Hughes and the creativity of WBTT. Black Nativity will inspire hope, joy, and peace to you and yours!

Our holiday show is not a part of our regular subscription season.

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Paradise Blue
January 7 - February 8, 2026

Paradise Blue is a gripping drama by Dominique Morisseau, set in 1949 in Detroit’s Black Bottom neighborhood. Gifted trumpet player Blue contemplates selling Paradise, his once-vibrant jazz club to shake free of the demons of his past and better his life. But in selling his club, is he also selling his soul?

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How I Got Over, A Gospel Revue
February 18 - March 29, 2026

Featured at the National Black Theater Festival in 2017, How I Got Over, A Gospel Revue makes its debut on WBTT’s main stage. This high-spirited show raises the rafters and celebrates the music of powerful singers like Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Staple Singers, James Cleveland, and other gospel greats! Experience the joy and hope of gospel music in this high-energy, electrifying show. You haven’t seen gospel like this before!

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Lies, Spells, and Old Wives Tales
April 8 - May 17, 2026

This new musical comedy celebrates the spirit, identity, and cultural essence of a people. The show spotlights the sayings, beliefs, values, fables, stories, and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation and become the fiber and foundation that establishes the conventions and traditions of a people.

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Fences by August Wilson

January 15, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025

August Wilson had a massive impact on Broadway with his play Fences, the story of a responsible, yet otherwise flawed, black garbage collector in pre-Civil Rights America. Deemed a "generational play," it mirrors the classic struggle of status quo, tradition, and age, versus change, innovation, and youth. Fences is one of the most significant African American plays of the 20th century.

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Five Guys Named Moe

March 5, 2025 - April 6, 2025

An exuberant tribute to the music of rhythm and blues pioneer Louis Jordan, Five Guys Named Moe features incredible dance numbers and a wonderful musical score. Our hero, Nomax is broke, and his lovely Lorraine has left him. As he listens to the radio at 5:00 in the morning five guys named Moe appear and encourage Nomax to turn his life around and tell Lorraine that he loves her.

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Syncopated Avenue – World Premiere Show

April 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025

WBTT produces its first ever tap revue in this original musical journey through the captivating and entertaining world of tap dance. The show takes us to an avenue where all things flourish with rhythm, style and class. This innovative musical offers new songs and features an exciting repertoire of unique arrangements on popular jazz tunes by iconic composers such Duke Ellington, Eubie Blake and Irving Berlin.

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An Evening with Melba Moore
MONDAY OCTOBER 13, 2025 6:00 PM

Join us as we celebrate fabulous Broadway icon and Purlies’ original Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins – Tony and Drama Desk Award Winner Melba Moore. We’ll start the evening with wonderful lite bites and drinks from Rosemary and Thyme, then we’ll head into the theatre where Ms. Moore, a long-time friend and supporter of WBTT will sing songs and tell stories from her incredible career. After the one-hour program, there will be an opportunity to meet Ms. Moore and take some photos.

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