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WBTT Presents: Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is proud to present “Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso,” an original musical revue featuring WBTT fan favorite Michael Mendez. The show – written and directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, with music selected and adapted by Mendez and Jacobs – will take place on Sunday, October 29 and Monday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. in WBTT’s Donelly Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). Well-known, multi-talented troupe member Mendez will sing the music of Belafonte, an icon known as a barrier-breaking singer, actor and civil rights activist, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 96. The show reflects the deep impact of Belafonte’s life, while revisiting well-known (and perhaps new-to-you) Belafonte hits such as "Shake Senora," "Matilda," "Day-O" and many more. Mendez has performed for well over a decade with WBTT. He has become a fan favorite through featured and starring roles in shows such as “In the Heights,” "Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul," "Soul Man" "Soul Crooners" and "Joyful! Joyful!" He previously starred as Belafonte in the Troupe’s 2014 hit, "Harry and Lena," was Seymour in the 2015 blockbuster "Little Shop of Horrors," and played the title role in 2016’s "The Wiz." He has appeared many times with WBTT at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C., including their most recent appearance in 2022. Jacobs created this work to pay tribute to Belafonte, who passed away earlier this year. Tickets are $35/adults, $20/students ages 25 and under (with valid ID), $100/sponsors (includes premium seating); prices include ticket fees. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2027944-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2027944-2
