Pictured: Ariel Blue and Leon S. Pitts II star in WBTT's production of Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will conclude its 2022-2023 “American Dreams” theatre season with the world-premiere musical revue, “Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue.” The show runs from April 19 through May 28, 2023. Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was an American jazz pianist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer. He began playing piano when he was 6 and realized his dream of becoming a professional musician at 15, earning $32 a week at the Lincoln Theater in Harlem. The stride style he developed influenced the sound of modern jazz piano. WBTT staged the show in its 2010-2011 season – the first season at the troupe’s current location on Orange Avenue. Audiences loved it, and Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs has long wanted to further explore Waller’s story and music. Jacobs has featured songs from the show in two productions of “Broadway in Black,” in 2017 and 2021, and even in “Broadway in Black Jr.,” starring Stage of Discovery students, in the summer of 2018. Presenting sponsors are Dona and Sam Scott. The Exchange and numerous individuals are supporting the production through leading sponsorships. Performances take place in WBTT's Donelly Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota) from April 19-May 28; showtimes are Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday at 2 p.m. (A “Talkback” with cast and crew is scheduled for Sunday, April 30 after the matinee.) Tickets are $50/adults, $20/students and active military (cost includes all ticket fees). Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Pictured: Ariel Blue and Leon S. Pitts II star in WBTT's production of Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.