Events

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to present a special celebration of the life and legacy of the Queen of Soul, featuring popular WBTT songbirds Naarai Jacobs and Teresa Stanley. The evening showcases many of Ms. Franklin’s best-loved songs and recognizes her remarkable achievements. WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs narrates the tribute. Songs include “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,” “Think,” “Chain of Fools” and many more. Robert Henderson is the music director and pianist, with James E. “Jay” Dodge II on bass, Willie Thompson on guitar, Etienne “EJ” Porter on drums and Liston Gregory on auxiliary keys.

As the 1960s Civil Rights movement unfolded, black music evolved from the controlled Motown performances to fiery cross rhythms sound—a little gospel, a lot of soul. The passionate soloists, such as James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, added energetic movements and unique vocalizations that inspired many future performers. Soul Man will feature some of WBTT’s most popular male performers.

After giving a prophetic speech during the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. returns to his hotel room. He orders coffee from room service that is delivered by a mysterious woman with a much greater mission. With vivid theatrical imagination and powerful, often humorous dialogue, the playwright fictionalizes the last night of Dr. King’s life and gives us a window into his hopes, vulnerabilities, and fears.