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Sarasota News Leader December 21, 2012 Page 102 WBTT FOUNDING MEMBER TO HIT THE BROADWAY STAGE Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has announced that founding Troupe member Teresa Stanley has just been cast in the role of Justice/Mother for the Broadway production of Rock of Ages at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York City. Stanley���s first performance will be on Jan. 21 in the role she played on the first national Rock of Ages tour, a news release notes. ���We are very proud of our Teresa,��� said Nate Jacobs, artistic director of WBTT, in the release. ���I met her when she was a small child, but her big talent was even evident then. Her mother, Rosa Stanley, recognized it as well and let WBTT work with Teresa to develop her skills as a performer,��� he added. ���It���s very gratifying to see her come to Broadway for the second time in her career. We are so happy for all of her successes.��� As Justice/Mother, Stanley will play a madam Teresa Stanley, a founding member of the in a brothel. A love story, the musical takes Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, has landed a place in the 1980s in a place called the BourBroadway role in Rock of Ages. Contributed bon Room. In the film version of Rock of Ages, photo released earlier this year, Justice/Mother was I like to remind the Troupe members they are played by Mary J Blige. getting invaluable experience, and if they lis���Justice/Mother is a really great role,��� Stan- ten and choose to use these skills professionley said in the news release. ���She���s got a little ally, they will go further than they ever imagedge to her, but at the same time, she���s funny ined.��� and very memorable. I���m really looking forward to being on stage again in this exciting The mission of WBTT is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American and fun role.��� experience while attracting diverse audiencShe continued, ���Looking back on my career, es, the news release points out. The Troupe���s I have to say that everything I needed to get productions also are a vehicle for supportto this place was a result of those early years ing African-American artists and building the with WBTT. The experience and training I re- self-esteem of African-American youth, the ceived from Nate Jacobs really prepared me. release adds. %