Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/91307
ARTS BRIEFS The male performers in The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe strut their stuff in Nate Jacobs 50s Jukebox Revue. Contributed photos. JUKEBOX REVUE TO OPEN WBTT SEASON NOV. 16 The first show of the 2012-13 season for The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), Nate Jacobs '50s Jukebox Revue, will open on Friday, Nov. 16, and run through Sunday, Dec. 16. Conceived and directed by founding Artis- tic Director Nate Jacobs, this original revue promises to be an exciting new musical that gives homage to the heyday of rock 'n' roll. "What a fun and innocent time the '50s were," said Jacobs in a news release. "Poodle skirts and bobby socks, fast dance tunes for jitter- bugs and ballads for the romantics. Life was good, reflected in the popular music of the day. Lyrics were upbeat and the music was energetic. We began to see the emergence of African-American artists such as Fats Domi- no, Little Richard and Muddy Waters. I really wanted to relive this exciting musical era and we've had a lot of fun introducing it to our younger Troupe members." In addition to the music presented by the Troupe, the WBTT show presents a story. Nate Jacobs '50s Jukebox Revue has the audience follow a group of singers, musicians and danc- ers performing on the "Chitlin' Circuit." The plot takes the group to many American cities, from Memphis to New York, experiencing life on the road. A large cast includes some regular Troupe members as well as newer performers. Em- manuel Avraham, Ariel Blue, Dhakeria Cun- ningham, Will Little, Charles Manning, Michael Mendez, Tzadok Porter and Alyssa White will surely be recognized by regular WBTT attend- ees. Newer members of this show are Gordon