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?
We invite the community to celebrate the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during our inspirational performance, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song.” Featuring song, dance and dramatic reenactments of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches this soul-stirring performance honors the life and legacy of Dr. King. The show, which is arranged and directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, features Reverend Charles McKenzie who lends his voice to Dr. King’s words, and WBTT professional performing artists, guest performers and Stage of Discovery students performing gospel, soul and popular songs of the civil rights era.
Taking Stage: Songs of My Journey is an intimate showcase that traces Marta Myada’s life through the songs and stories that shaped her. From humble beginnings and heartfelt tributes to her first major role as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Marta invites audiences to walk beside her through the joys, heartbreaks, doubts, and triumphs that define her path as an artist.
In 2017 Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe premiered How I Got Over at the National (now International) Black Theatre Festival to rave reviews. To celebrate the 2025-2026 Soul of a People season we are presenting How I Got Over on the WBTT main stage. This show features the gospel music you know and love as only WBTT can imagine it, accompanied by the sizzling live WBTT band. Traditional songs like “Travelin’ Shoes,” “Amazing Grace” and “When The Saints Go Marching In” are combined with more current ones such as “Elijah Rock,” “Oh Happy Day,” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” to bring you a show that’s sung from WBTT’s heart. Experience the joy and hope of gospel music in this high-energy, electrifying show. You haven’t seen gospel like this before!
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.
