by Matthew Lopez

January 2 – February 2, 2014

It is April 1865 and the Civil War has ended. A wounded Jewish Confederate soldier discovers his family home is nearly destroyed and only two former slaves remain. As they reunite to celebrate Passover, the annual holiday of freedom from bondage, they uncover a series of secrets that bind them together but, ultimately, might cost each man his freedom. A compelling, thought-provoking drama.

Cast

Taurean Blacque

Robert Douglas

Drew Foster

Creative Team

Timothy Beltley

Richard Cannon

Matthew Lopez - Playwright

Howard Millman - Director

James Sale

Reviews and Interviews

Whipping Man: Radio Interview with Howard and Drew (actual interview starts at 22:51)
http://sarasotatalkradio.com/2014/01/the-mezz-january-11th-2014-the-sarasota-chorus-of-the-keys-with-president-patrick-kilbane-and-the-whipping-man-with-director-howard-millman-and-actor-drew-foster/

Bradenton Herald: Sarasota production of 'The Whipping Man' scores
http://www.bradenton.com/2014/01/06/4922157/sarasota-production-of-the-whipping.html

THEATER REVIEW: 'The Whipping Man'
http://www.yourobserver.com/news/longboat-key/A-and-E/0107201431359/THEATER-REVIEW-The-Whipping-Man

PREVIEW: 'The Whipping Man' reveals itself in layers
http://arts.heraldtribune.com/2013-12-27/section/preview-the-whipping-man-reveals-itself-in-layers/

February 20 - March 24, 2013

Conceived and adapted by Nate Jacobs

By popular demand, WBTT revisits the soul music of the 1970s with unforgettable melodies, heavenly harmonies, and great vocalists. You’ll fall in love again with your favorite guys from the original show (Charles, Leon, Mikeyy, Nate and Sheldon)who masterfully croon new songs from the greatest singers of that engaging era.

What is Soul Music?

Soul music has been defined as music that arose out of the black experience in America through the modification of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of funky, secular testifying (lyrics). Characteristics include catchy rhythms, handclaps and a call and response between the soloist and the chorus. Listen for the occasional addition of improvisation or auxiliary sounds.

There are many styles of soul music – from the classic recordings in the early years to those that are more in a pop music vein by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson.

In the beginning of the 1970s, soul music was influenced by psychedelic rock and other genres. The end of the Vietnam War and rock's political statements inspired artists like Gaye and Curtis Mayfield to incorporate hard-hitting social commentary into their lyrics. Soul music also continued to express the African-American experience, capturing the increasingly troubled nature of the times.

Artists like James Brown led soul towards funk music, which became a typical sound of a number of 1970 bands. A new generation of street-corner harmony or "city-soul" groups also came into existence.

Later in the decade, disco and funk dominated the charts and soul music changed direction once again to what has been called the "quiet storm." It was influenced by soft rock and adult contemporary styles, resulting in songs with a relaxed tempo and soft melody.

NATE JACOBS (Creator/Director/Singer)

Cast

• EMMANUEL AVRAHAM
• CHRISTOPHER EISENBERG
• MICHAEL MENDEZ
• LEON S. PITTS II
• JAMES (JAY) E. DODGE, II (Music Director/Production Manager)
• CRISTY OWEN (Costume Designer)

August 22 – September 2, 2012

This new show features five of your favorite WBTT guys singing the hit songs from the popular non-Motown stars of the 1960s,like Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding, Ray Charles and more! Sheldon, Michael, Leon, Charles, and Chris will have you swooning, smiling, snapping, and singing along with such songs as Lonely Teardrops, You Send Me, and Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher.{/description}

Adapted by Nate Jacobs

July 18 – 29, 2012

Summer at WBTT sizzles with an original musical revue of songs made famous by some of the most celebrated female pop and soul divas of the 1970s. Five of our glamorous gals will light up the stage with the hits of Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand, Karen Carpenter, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and more! These songbirds, Get Close To You help you wonder What’s Love Got To Do With It and send you off understanding That’s What Friends Are For. {/description}