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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