Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its season with the fun, familiar songs of "Nate Jacobs' '50s Jukebox Revue." Conceived and directed by WBTT's artistic director, this original revue pays homage to the early days of rock 'n' roll.

"What a fun and innocent time the 50s were," Jacobs said in a statement issued by WBTT. "Poodle skirts and bobby socks, fast dance tunes for jitterbugs and ballads for the romantics. Life was good, reflected in the popular music of the day.

He noted the emergence of African-American artists such as Fats Domino, Little Richard and Muddy Waters.

A large cast includes some regular troupe members as well as newer performers.

Emmanuel Avraham, Ariel Blue, Dhakeria Cunningham, Will Little, Charles Manning, Michael Mendez, Tzadok Porter and Alyssa White will surely be recognized by regular WBTT attendees.

Newer members of this show include Gordon Gregory, Davronette Henson, Kristal Walker and Henry Washington.

"We are really looking forward to opening our season in the '50s," Jacobs said. "After singing and swinging to songs like 'Why Do Fools Fall in Love,' 'Stagger Lee' and 'Shake Rattle and Roll,' you'll be dancing out the door!"

Details: Nov. 16-Dec. 16, Westcoast Black Theatre, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota. Tickets: $28. Information: 941-366-1505 or www.wbttsrq.org.

--Wade Tatangelo