Noted blues artist Sammy Blue, who currently stars in ‘Spunk,’ will present two concerts on May 22 & 23

SARASOTA, FL – The celebrated “Crown Prince of the Blues,” Sammy Blue – who stars as “Guitar Man” in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s current production of “Spunk” – will present two concerts on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23 at the WBTT theater. Patrons are invited to enjoy a barbecue dinner, catered by Nancy’s Barbecue, prior to the show (an additional charge will apply).

Production consists of three tales written by Zora Neale Hurston, adapted by George C. Wolfe

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 15th anniversary mainstage season concludes with “Spunk,” written by Zora Neale Hurston and adapted by George C. Wolfe. The three stories about love, revenge and redemption take place in the late 1920s – early 1930s, during the Harlem Renaissance, and are animated through dance and the music of the blues.

Features five productions, including

Tony Award-nominated musical The Color Purple,

a revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,

the world premiere of The Sam Cooke Story by Nate Jacobs,

the Pulitzer Prize-winning Driving Miss Daisy,

and a holiday production of A Motown Christmas 

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has announced its 2015-2016 season. In addition to four regular-season shows, which are included in the season subscription, the schedule includes a special holiday show being offered outside of the subscription. Running from October 2015 through the end of May 2016, the regular season shows are The Color Purple, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Sam Cooke Story, and Driving Miss Daisy. The holiday show is A Motown Christmas.

World premier musical revue written by Nate Jacobs honors female jazz greats

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s season continues with Jazz Hot Mamas, a world premiere by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. In this sizzling musical revue, Jacobs salutes the great female performers of the jazz era, including Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Etta Jones and Peggy Lee. They rose to stardom, broke barriers, and left a legacy few can match. Their phenomenal voices, style and grace won over audiences around the world.

Second offering of the season will feature Michael Mendez highlighting Latin soul music and highlights from his favorite performances at WBTT

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to continue its second annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members are able to showcase their talents with one-night, one-person shows. The second show of this season, “I Love Music,” takes place Monday, March 2 at 8:00pm and features Michael Mendez. Join this WBTT company member as he presents an exciting evening of Latin soul music and singing. He will also perform his favorite performances at WBTT

Initial offering of the season will feature Leon S. Pitts II in a tribute to James Brown

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is pleased to announce its second annual Young Artist Program, through which Troupe members are able to showcase their talents with one-night, one-person shows. The first show of this season, “Showtime with Leon Pitts,” takes place Monday, February 2 at 7:30pm and features Leon S. Pitts II. Join this WBTT company member as he explores his own theatrical career and humble beginnings. Additionally, audiences will also enjoy a tribute to the music of sizzling soul legend James Brown.

Renowned director Chuck Smith in town from Chicago to direct the performance

SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s season continues with “Knock Me A Kiss,” a work by playwright Charles Smith that examines the societal pressures on the daughter of noted anti-segregationist activist W.E.B. DuBois to marry the “right” kind of man. The show asks the question: when is personal happiness more important than the sacrifices, lies, and deferred dreams of a family trying to make the world a better place?