This page includes a collection of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe news, reviews and events. We appreciate the journalists who are helping to spread awareness of our work and foster an appreciation for the arts in our community. We update this page frequently, so be sure to check back often.

If you are a member of the media seeking materials from our press kit, or if you have a photo and/or an interview request, please contact our PR department at (941) 366-1505, ext. 805 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


[NEWS] "A showcase for growing together" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2015/07/31/a-showcase-for-growing-together/

[VIDEO] "H-T Video" - Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
http://bcove.me/4zxexkp7

[PHOTOS] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe fundraiser for Soul Crooners 2" - Jessica Salmond, Observer Group
http://www.yourobserver.com/photo-gallery/westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-fundraiser-soul-crooners-2

[REVIEW] "Cotton Club Cabaret" - Bill Oser, Talkin' Broadway
Highlight quote: "Every production at WBTT is a can't miss affair, and The Cotton Club Cabaret is no exception."
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/wfla/wfla157.html

[REVIEW] "'The Cotton Club Cabaret' closes out the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe season with style and grace" - Bonnie Silvestri, Anything Arts
Highlight quote: "Right off the bat, Tara Conner Jones pulled out all the stops in 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.' And throughout the evening, Jones proves the soul of the production with a seemingly limitless vocal range and easy stage presence that makes you want to get to know her."
http://sarasota.anythingarts.com/profiles/blogs/the-cotton-club-cabaret-closes-out-the-westcoast-black-theatre-tr?xg_source=activity

[NEWS] "Black is the color of my voice to Return to Edinburgh Fringe, Aug 5-31" -BroadwayWorld.com
WBTT founding member Apphia Campbell's "Black is the Color of My Voice" being brought back to Edinburgh, Scotland
http://www.broadwayworld.com/scotland/article/BLACK-IS-THE-COLOR-OF-MY-VOICE-to-Return-to-Edinburgh-Fringe-Aug-5-31-20150721#

[LISTINGS] "Arts on the Horizon" - Jaye Clements, Island Visitor's Siesta Sand
http://siestasand.net/Arts-on-the-horizon-7-15/

[TV] WBTT appears on ABC 7's "Suncoast View" 
Nate co-hosts; Soul Crooners first appear at 18:50
http://www.mysuncoast.com/videos?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=11686155

[REVIEW] "'The Cotton Club Cabaret' reclaims a musical legacy" - Marty Fugate, The Observer
Highlight quote: "Jacobs lovingly directs the revue he created. The music he honors has lost none of its power. The musicians who created should not be forgotten. They won’t be — not if Nate Jacobs can help it."
http://www.yourobserver.com/article/theater-review-cotton-club-cabaret

[REVIEW] "WBTT's Cotton Club Cabaret" - Kay Kipling, Sarasota Magazine
Highlight quote: "But just about everyone gets a chance in the spotlight, whether it’s Dean mimicking the moves and style of Cab Calloway on the Act I closer, Minnie the Moocher, Blue singing evocatively on Bring It Home to Me, or Jones, who scorches on the lesser-known One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer and likewise delivers strongly with Lattimore on the insult-laden You Ain’t Got It No More."
https://sarasotamagazine.com/2015/07/13/theater-review-wbtts-cotton-club-cabaret/

[REVIEW] "Cotton Club Cabaeret" Marie Kilker,Totaltheater.com
Highlight quote: "Overall, adherence to Donald Frison’s choreography is never less than superb. The musicians are also first rate, without over reliance on enhanced sound."
http://www.totaltheater.com/?q=node/6556

[REVIEW] "Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Cotton Club Cabaret" - Undine Shorey, Bradenton Times
Highlight quote: "Cotton Club Cabaret was fun, hip, and full of spunk. If you’re in the mood to sing and tap your toes, then make sure you check out this wonderfully entertaining show."
http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2015/07/21/arts_and_entertainment/review_west_coast_black_theatre_troupe_s_cotton_club_cabaret/#.Va4znflVhBd

[NEWS] "Musician, teacher, mentor honored during Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe show opening" - Sarasota Patch
http://patch.com/florida/sarasota/musician-teacher-mentor-honored-during-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-show-openin-0

[NEWS] "Musician, teacher, mentor honored during Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe show opening" - Don Britt,don411.com
http://don411.com/musician-teacher-mentor-honored-during-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-show-opening/

[REVIEW] "A matured Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe delivers on 'Cotton Club Cabaret'" - Susan Rife, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Highlight quote: "I didn’t see 'The Cotton Club Cabaret' when WBTT debuted it in the Theatreworks space in downtown Sarasota in 2000, but as a closer to the 15th anniversary season, it’s evident that the ensemble has reached an enviably high level in its productions. Don’t miss it."
http://www.ticketsarasota.com/2015/07/11/a-matured-westcoast-black-theatre-troupe-delivers-on-cotton-club-cabaret/