Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents ‘A Motown Christmas’
Spirited holiday offering to feature holiday favorites, obscure treasures from the biggest stars of Motown
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe invites the community to ring in the holidays with its new musical revue, “A Motown Christmas.” The production, adapted by WBTT founder and artistic director, Nate Jacobs, features some favorite traditional carols as well as many original Christmas songs written and recorded by Motown’s celebrated artists such as The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye.
“I found several original Motown Christmas treasures – written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye – that I am excited about sharing with our patrons,” said Jacobs. “I think ‘Motown Christmas’ will offer a unique holiday experience people won’t see elsewhere during the holiday season. We have a talented cast of WBTT singers that have become favorites at the company who will sing the spirit of the season from their hearts, for all to enjoy.”
Director is Jacobs. The cast includes singers Jacobs, Michael Mendez, Mandi Jo John, Sheldon Rhoden, Christopher Eisenberg, Leon S. Pitts II, MaRah Williams, Ariel Blue and Marta McKinnon, and dancers Josh Thompson and Derric Gobourne Jr. Music director is James E. Dodge II. Choreographer is Donald Frison. Costume designer is Cristy Owen. Set designer is Michael Newton-Brown. Lighting designer is Nick Jones.
“We are very much looking forward to presenting this holiday production to the community,” said executive director Julie Leach. “Motown played an important role in the racial integration of popular music as an African American-owned record label that achieved significant crossover success. Our mission is to promote and celebrate the African American experience – showcasing the incredible music of Motown supports our mission and should have audiences on their feet!”
“A Motown Christmas” is not included in the season subscription. Runs December 2-31, 8:00pm evenings showings and 2:00pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $38/adults, $27 students or active military with valid ID. Call the Box Office (941-366-1505) or go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.
About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.
