With their Christmas Card to the Sarasota Community, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe encapsulates traditional and contemporary treasures of holiday music. This show is part Spiritual, part R&B show and part Rock Concert! This show was created by Nate Jacobs, Founder and Artistic Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The intention of this show was to create a feeling of gratitude and to “remind us to celebrate the gift of life”. In this performance I would say that this ensemble has surpassed this assignment!
The show opens with greetings from the MC, Ensemble member Ariel Blue, taking us on this journey together to celebrate surviving another year together and inviting us to come on a walk on “Joyful Boulevard”. Ariel set the tone, ensuring that audience participation is more than welcome, and the crowd was eager to participate! Her appearance between each song added historical tidbits about the songs, positive thoughts, and humor throughout the show.
This show highlighted astonishing harmonies as well as solo’s. Maicy Powell’s rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was overwhelmingly beautiful, angelic, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house! Closing the first half of the show, “Joy (Unspeakable)”, brought forth the astounding acting and voice of Stephanie Zandra. Set in a traditional church with Stephanie being touched by “the Spirit”, it was exciting to see this portrayal and we could feel the heat coming off her and the stage.
My favorite song, “Happy Seasons”, originally performed by Earth, Wind and Fire was presented in the style of a 1960’s group, with sparkly jackets and all! The choreography was simple, but so tight and perfectly matched with the song.
Special recognition to Rickey Tedesco, who shined (literally and figuratively) every time he was on the stage. His animated facial expressions, including that “Star-quality” smile brought so much fun and life-force to the show.
“This is our yearly check in with Kindness and we hope for each season to be more Loving” stated Ariel at the close of the show. Synonyms of “Joyful” are Cheerful, Happy, Jolly and Lighthearted. This show portrays all these and so much more! If this is their Christmas Card to the Community, there is enough goodness and Cheer to last us through the entire year!
Joyful! Joyful! Will be playing until December 30th. Individual tickets are still available. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is located at 1012 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota FL.
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