In 2018, WBTT presented the third iteration of 'Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul,' starring Sheldon Rhoden Photo by Vutti Photography

The 2020s have solidified itself as the era of the music biopic. To date, Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, has grossed $991.5 million globally at the box office. Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 Elvis launched Austin Butler into the mainstream, garnering an Academy Award nomination for the actor and the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown received a slew of Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. At Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), a different kind of biopic is taking place with the company’s summer show, Marvin: A Marvin Gaye Revue.

Created, adapted and directed by WBTT founder and creative director Nate Jacobs, Marvin stars Sheldon Rhoden as Gaye in a revue that includes all of the Prince of Soul’s hits from How Sweet It Is to Heard It Through the Grapevine. Rhoden is no stranger to portraying Gaye—the Sarasota native has played Gaye four times in WBTT productions dating back to 2011, drawing countless comparisons for how similar he sounds to the iconic singer.

“When people see you playing Gaye, they’re not looking for you to sing the perfect note,” says Rhoden. “It’s the fact that for someone who grew up in that era sees me, they can say, ‘Wow, Marvin would do it like that or sing it like that.’”

What resonates most with Rhoden in portraying Gaye is the cultural significance of the role. More than just a pop star, Gaye became a key figurehead in the Civil Rights Movement through his music. “Marvin is a part of the artists who shaped an era. As an artist he used his platform to push for equality for all, which is special to me,” says Rhoden. “The music he wrote during that time period is still relevant today.”

Some of Rhoden’s favorite numbers in the revue happen to be the most challenging. Songs such as Ain’t No Mountain High Enough are difficult because of the vocal range they require. What grounds Rhoden throughout the show, however, is the knowledge that every song Gaye wrote came from the heart, authentically reflecting that era. “Everything came from a personal experience that he was going through. It has an impact on me singing on stage, which is then felt by the audience, and it helps them to emotionally travel to where I’m headed,” says Rhoden.

Marvin: A Marvin Gaye Revue, July 15-24, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota

In 2018, WBTT presented the third iteration of 'Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul,' starring Sheldon Rhoden Photo by Vutti Photography

To learn more click here