WBTT Hosts Independent Artist Program Showcase By Delores McKenzie 

 In March of 2024, popular Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe artist Delores McKenzie presented two sold-out performances of her Young Artist Program showcase, “Belles of Broadway,” featuring some of the most beloved songs made famous by iconic women of Broadway. Back by popular demand, and now as an Independent Artist Program showcase, McKenzie will present an updated version of the show at WBTT on Sunday, January 26 (this performance is already sold out) and Monday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Local audiences have seen McKenzie in WBTT productions “Sistas in the Name of Soul,” “Eubie!” “Broadway in Black,” “Joyful! Joyful!” and “A Motown Christmas.” She has also performed in WBTT’s in-school education program, Jazzlinks, as well as been featured at WBTT's special events.

Delores Elizabeth McKenzie is a singer, actress, and voiceover artist. Sarasota born and bred, McKenzie is a child prodigy who benefited from early training by Nate Jacobs. A graduate of Bethune Cookman University, she has traveled all over the world on top-tier cruise lines: she was a principal production singer for Norwegian Cruise Lines for seven years. She was also the voice of Royer Studios’ Anti-Tobacco and Vaping campaign against teen tobacco use.

During this intimate evening, McKenzie will pay tribute to some of the iconic women of Broadway. Patrons will hear hits from “Wicked,” “Chicago,” “Waitress the Musical,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Les Misérables,” and many more.

McKenzie will be accompanied by music director Carl Haan on main keys, Isaac Mingus on bass, and Henley Conner III on drums.

WBTT’s Independent Artist Program enables seasoned professional artists to rent WBTT’s theatre and produce their own show with support from WBTT’s production, ticketing and marketing teams. In the fall of 2023, longtime WBTT artists Michael Mendez and Christopher Eisenberg presented sold-out Independent Artist Program showcases to launch the new effort.

“From a very young age, you could see that Delores had raw talent and drive, and had enormous potential for future success,” said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, who assists the performers in developing and directing their presentations.

“Over the years, she has become an audience favorite, with her tremendous vocal talents and charismatic stage presence, and we are thrilled she is going to grace our stage again with her ‘Belles of Broadway’ showcase.”

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