If you missed the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 10th anniversary celebration at Michael’s On East last week, you missed a treat.
The sold-out event paid tribute to the Sarasota community theater troupe and how far it has come in the last decade. After a festive meal in the restaurant’s ballroom, guests watched a dazzling musical revue performed by the troupe. They highlighted harmonies from the company’s past shows with selections from “Five Guys Named Mo,” “Dream Girls,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” and other soulful musicals.
Among the performers was Broadway star Teresa Stanley, a veteran member of the troupe who went on to become a Broadway star, performing in “The Color Purple” and “Dream Girls.”
Before the entertainment began, artistic director and founder Nate Jacobs shared his vision to create a more diverse theater troupe in the area, thanking several influential members of the audience who helped bring that dream to life. Also, Howard J. Millman, the new president of WBTT’s board, said how excited he was to help lead the group into another decade. Millman also unveiled the troupe’s shows for the season, which kicks off Jan. 20. They are “The Motown ’60s Revue,” “The Magnificent Mills Brothers” and the play “Jar the Floor” — a black spin on “The Golden Girls.” All shows will be performed at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
The attendance of WBTT’s fans at the Oct. 29 celebration took troupe member Wellington Fordham by surprise. About 200 people were originally expected to attend; more than 300 came.
With such a show of support, it seems like 2010 will be a wonderful season for the troupe.
For more information on WBTT, call 366-1505 or visit www.wbttroupe.org.
January Holmes, features writer, can be reached at 745-7057.
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