Download - Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

February 13, 2015
CONTACT: Sharon Kunkel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (941) 366-1505, ext. 805
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents ‘Jazz Hot Mamas’
World premier musical revue written by Nate Jacobs honors female jazz greats
SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s season continues with Jazz Hot Mamas, a
world premiere by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. In this sizzling musical
revue, Jacobs salutes the great female performers of the jazz era, including Ella Fitzgerald,
Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Etta Jones and Peggy Lee. They
rose to stardom, broke barriers, and left a legacy few can match. Their phenomenal voices,
style and grace won over audiences around the world.
Starring in the show are Matelyn Alicia, Naarai Jacobs, Kenessa “Neyce” Pierre and Teresa
Stanley, who returns to Sarasota by way of Broadway, where she played “Justice/Mother” in
Rock of Ages. [See artists’ bios below.]
“Throughout WBTT’s 15-year history, we’ve covered a variety of musical genres in our shows,
from soul and gospel to pop and rock ‘n roll. We’ve performed many shows that feature male
superstars, but hardly any about women celebrities and none about the wonderful women jazz
singers of the ‘50s and ‘60s,” said WBTT’s founder and artistic director, Nate Jacobs. “The artists
we’re featuring are legends who influenced the international music world with their dynamic
voices and distinctive style. We are proud to honor their legacy through this original show.”
Several months ago, WBTT had already sold most of its available seats for Jazz Hot Mamas and
decided to extend the run another week. The theater has also just added two Sunday evening
shows, on March 22 and March 29.
"We guessed this might be our hottest ticket of the season but we are still amazed at how
quickly we sold out of our available inventory," said Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe executive
director Richard M. Parison, Jr. "We are confident local audiences will absolutely love this show
– we are thrilled by the level of excitement already surrounding it."
Jazz Hot Mamas runs February 25 through April 4. Tickets are $29.50 general admission, $16.50
students; call the box office at (941) 366-1505 or go to the website, westcoastblacktheatre.org,
for show times and to purchase tickets.
ARTIST BIOS:
Matelyn Alicia, a native of Akron Ohio, is a singer, songwriter and actress. She is making her
first appearance with WBTT in Jazz Hot Mamas. Matelyn’s theatrical debut took place on the
stage of the Steven’s Center for the Performing Arts, as Bessie Smith in the North Carolina Black
Repertory’s (NCBR) production of Mabel Robinson’s Mahalia: Queen of Gospel for the 2007
National Black Theater Festival (NBTF). She went on to perform in several other shows,
including another NBTF appearance in NCBR’s 2013 production of CROWNS as Jeanette.
Currently a resident of Winston-Salem, NC, Matelyn will appear in the 2015 NBTF in Mabel
Robinson’s Glory of Gospel.
Naarai Jacobs is the talented daughter of WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. She
has been entertaining on area stages since kindergarten. At St. Stephen’s High School, Naarai
starred in The Curious Savage, and has performed with WBTT in a number of shows, including
The Best of Stevie Wonder, The Eve of Jackie and, most recently, Little Shop of Horrors. A 2014
graduate of Howard University, she majored in theater arts and acting. She was a member of a
popular campus singing group and was a featured soloist in various school productions. In
addition to being a gifted singer, Naarai has become an accomplished songwriter. She has
recently released her first original EP called, “On My Way.”
Kenessa "Neyce" Pierre started singing at three years old and, as a teen, became a member of
her grandfather's gospel group out of Columbus, Ga. She debuted with WBTT in the 2006-2007
season and has performed in a number of productions since then. Neyce was cast in Caroline Or
Change with the Black Theatre Troupe of Phoenix, Arizona. She has performed in WBTT’s
Dreamgirls, Sisters in the Name of Soul, Once on this Island, Marvin Gaye: The Prince of Soul,
and Dynamic Duets of the ‘70s. Neyce is a mother of two young girls and also has a full-time job
as a beauty advisor in a local retail establishment.
Teresa Stanley appeared in her first major musical, Purlie, directed by Nate Jacobs. Rave
reviews inspired her to continue performing in a variety of the company’s musicals, including
Ain’t Misbehavin, Eubie and Dreamgirls. Seeking her dreams outside of the community since
her years with WBTT, Teresa has toured internationally with "The New York Harlem Singers"
and nationally with "The Broadway Church Ladies.” In 2007 Teresa was cast in The Color Purple
on Broadway, playing numerous roles. Later, she performed in the first national tour of Rock of
Ages and was brought back to Broadway by the show’s producers to assume the principle role
of “Justice/Mother.” With the recent close of the long-running Broadway show, Teresa is
pleased to return home to appear in this original production. Teresa thanks Nate for seeing the
gift in her, and her mother for unconditional love and support.
PHOTO ID: (From l-r) Naarai Jacobs, pianist RJ Thompson, Teresa Stanley, Kenessa ‘Neyce’
Pierre and Matelyn Alicia
Photo by Don Daly Photo
About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater
company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce plays that promote and celebrate
the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a
vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of AfricanAmerican youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org
or call (941) 366-1505.
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