Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe announces 2015-2016 season during 'Hush Hush' cocktail reception

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe announced its 2015-2016 season during its “Hush Hush Cocktail Reception” on Monday, February 16. The event, which was hosted by Michael and Kathy Bush of Home Resource, featured the 2015-2016 season announcement and performances by WBTT artists Naarai Jacobs, Sheldon Rhoden and Matelyn Alicia.

Next year’s season will feature Tony Award-nominated musical The Color Purple, a revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the world premiere of The Sam Cooke Story by Nate Jacobs, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Driving Miss Daisy, which will be directed by renowned local director Howard Millman. WBTT will also offer a holiday production of A Motown Christmas, which is not part of the season subscription.

“We are very excited about our upcoming season,” said WBTT executive director Richard M. Parison, Jr. “On the heels of our sold-out 15th anniversary season, we wanted to continue to focus on increasing our patron experience. This includes implementing reserved seating to better accommodate our patrons and announcing our season earlier than previous years to reach the majority of our patrons during the height of season.”

During the event, numerous sponsors announce their commitments. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by Italian Culinary Tours, which is owned and operated by WBTT supporter Robert Gaglio.

PHOTO IDs:

(From l-r) Event host Michael Bush of Home Resource, WBTT Board Chair Julie Leach, WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs, and WBTT executive director Richard M. Parison, Jr.

WBTT performer Matelyn Alicia performs a blistering rendition of ‘Push Da Button’ from ‘The Color Purple,’ a show WBTT will present in the coming season

WBTT supporters Howard Millman and Carolyn Michel

(From l-r) WBTT supporters Sharon Prizant, Robert Gaglio and Paula Murray

Photos by Sharon Kunkel/Wordslinger Marketing & PR

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.

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