NATE JACOBS,
FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Join Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe member Leon S. Pitts II in his Young Artist Program show, “Show Man of Heart and Soul” March 11 at 8 p.m. at the WBTT Theatre.
Pitts will bring his passion to the stage and sing songs that have touched the hearts and souls of generations by such artists as Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Al Green and Luther Vandross, to name a few.
“I grew a great passion for these artists as a kid, but it became even stronger in me as I went on this journey with Mr. Nate Jacobs,” he said of WBTT’s founder and artistic director. “When he created the Soul Crooners and the passion began to resonate with me as I had my own experiences in life.”
Pitts has a way of engaging audience members with his smooth, soulful vocals that make people swoon and dance.
WBTT patrons may remember Pitts for his performances in Ain’t Misbehavin' and Five Guys Named Moe. Pitts also is a member of The Soul Crooners, a WBTT singing group that has entertained Sarasota crowds for nearly 10 years.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Young Artist Program is part of WBTT’s education programming and was created to support, develop and showcase the talent of young, aspiring African-American artists.
For tickets, CLICK HERE or call 941.366-1505, press 1.
WE’RE GLAD YOU ENJOYED OUR 2017-2018 SEASON.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR SUMMER SHOWS AND OUR 2018-19 SEASON!
Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book by Quiara Alegria Hudes
Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda
From the creator of Hamilton comes this captivating story about a vibrant Latino community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood, where the corner bodega serves the sweetest coffee, the hair salon is gossip central, and the residents chase the American dream while clinging to their roots. This high energy, multi-Tony Award-winning musical pulsates with a spirited hip-hop beat and scorching Latin-infused rhythms.
Created and adapted by Nate Jacobs
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this festive holiday revue. It’s the perfect blend of traditional Christmas carols paired with the soulful sounds from such Motown celebrities as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5. WBTT’s dazzling signature style makes this the most memorable and fun Christmas treat of the season for the entire family!
A Motown Christmas is not included as part of our subscription series.
by Katori Hall
After giving a prophetic speech during the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. returns to his hotel room. He orders coffee from room service that is delivered by a mysterious woman with a much greater mission. With vivid theatrical imagination and powerful, often humorous dialogue, the playwright fictionalizes the last night of Dr. King’s life and gives us a window into his hopes, vulnerabilities, and fears.
Contains adult language and content
by Lanie Robertson
It’s 1959 and legendary musical performer Billie Holiday appears in a small Philadelphia bar for one of her final performances. Audiences get more than expected. She sings a dozen of her beloved classics, like “God Bless the Child,” “Strange Fruit,” and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” and interlaces them with salty, sometimes funny, stories that reveal a riveting portrait of one of the greatest jazz/blues vocalists of all time.
Contains strong adult language and content
A new musical revue
Created and adapted by Nate Jacobs
WORLD PREMIERE
As the 1960s Civil Rights movement unfolded, black music evolved from the controlled Motown performances to fiery cross rhythms sound—a little gospel, a lot of soul. The passionate soloists, such as James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, added energetic movements and unique vocalizations that inspired many future performers. Soul Man will feature some of WBTT’s most popular male performers.
By Alfred Uhry
Directed by Howard Millman
April 20 - May 28, 2016
What happens when you pair a feisty Jewish widow who lives by the rules of social etiquette with a proud, hard-working African-American chauffeur? In 1948 Atlanta, it’s a hostile clashing of wills. But, as the 25-year relationship evolves, the two navigate the bumpy road of bigotry and Civil Rights together and a profound, life-altering bond emerges. This Pulitzer-Prize winner is a moving story of friendship told with humor, warmth, and beauty. Critics call this touching, totally irresistible comedy a delight!
Nate's Notes
"My mother was a single mom with 11 children who worked as a domestic on the other side of town. Miss Daisy’s chauffeur reminds me of her. Both had integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Both earned the utmost respect of, and deep friendship with, their employer. What an inspirational story!" -Nate Jacobs
| VIDEO: See excerpts from Driving Miss Daisy! |
CAST AND CREATIVE
TAUREAN BLACQUE (Hoke Coleburn)
CAROLYN MICHEL (Daisy Werthan)
Archived Press Releases
Theatre Location
1012 N. Orange Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
Mailing Address
1012 N. Orange Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
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