Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents ‘A Motown Christmas’
Spirited holiday offering to feature the season’s favorites plus long-lost treasures from the biggest stars of Motown
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe invites the community to ring in the holidays with its musical revue, A Motown Christmas. The production was created by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs and had its world premiere in 2015. The show features some favorite traditional carols as well as many original Christmas songs written and recorded by Motown’s most celebrated artists such as The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye.
“I think Motown Christmas will offer a unique holiday experience people won’t see elsewhere during the holiday season,” said Jacobs. “We have a talented cast of WBTT singers who will sing the spirit of the season from their hearts, for all to enjoy.”
Director is Jacobs, who also performs in the production. The cast includes singers Ariel Blue, Brian L. Boyd, Ashley Brooks, Tarra Conner jones, JoAnna Ford, Carmilia Harris, Joey James, Michael Mendez, Raleigh Mosely II, and Leon S. Pitts II, and dancers Derric Gobourne Jr. and Chakara Rosa. Music director is James E. Dodge II. Scenic design by Michael Newton-Brown. Choreographer is Donald Frison. Lighting designer is Nick Jones. Production stage manager is Juanita Munford. Property master is Annette Breazeale.
“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 November 29 – December 23, 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $42/adults, $20 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 professional theatre that promotes and celebrates the African-American experience, to attract diverse audiences, to support and develop African-American artists, and to build the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.
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