Events

Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was an American jazz pianist, composer, singer and comedic entertainer. Nate Jacobs’ original tribute to this irrepressible artist was presented April 19 – May 28, 2023, and featured Waller’s signature songs, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Your Feet’s Too Big,” “The Joint is Jumpin’” and many more.

WBTT presents this joyous holiday gift to the community. It’s 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. Children and adults of all races and backgrounds will be enthralled by this high-energy, theatrical wonderment. Black Nativity is not included in the season subscription.

An inspirational journey through American pop music, Dreamgirls chronicles one fictional Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom. The musical, which ran February 22 – April 9, 2023, explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the music industry. Audiences loved the WBTT version – as the song says, “Just dream it baby, we’ll be there!”

From January 4 to February 12, 2023, WBTT presents Flyin’ West which tells the story o, a group of African American women who leave the oppressive South and settle in the all-Black town of Nicodemus, Kansas in the 1890s. Their determination to survive in a harsh region is tested as they build new lives. With flashes of humor amid serious themes, Flyin’ West shed new light on a seldom-told chapter of American history.

WBTT presented Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Guys and Dolls October 7 –November 20, 2022. Guys and Dolls tells the story of New York City gambler Nathan Detroit, who dreams of setting up a big dice game while avoiding the authorities – and marriage to his longtime fiancé. Meanwhile, fellow gambler Sky Masterson ends up wooing a strait-laced missionary in a scheme to fund the game. The show features classic songs including Love be a Lady Tonight and Bushel and a Peck.