After a five-year hiatus, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is delighted to present a summer theatrical production. The award-winning comedy “Coconut Cake” by Melda Beaty will grace the Donelly Theatre stage from June 12-23, 2024.”Coconut Cake” was recognized with the prestigious Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award at the 2022 International Black Theatre Festival. This honor, created by North Carolina Black Rep, aims to discover and develop new African American theatre classics while fostering collaboration among Black theatre companies nationwide.
A Delectable Comedy About Life’s Mysteries
The delightful comedy follows four retirees who gather daily at a local McDonald’s to debate life’s mysteries over coffee and chess games. However, their routines are upended when a mysterious woman arrives in town, tempting Eddie Lee and his chess buddies with her irresistible coconut cake and medicine cabinet secrets, forever changing their lives.
Acclaimed Director and Talented Cast
Making his WBTT directorial debut is Luther D. Wells, a full-time Tallahassee resident and Associate Director and Professor of Theater at Florida A&M University. Wells recently directed the off-Broadway AUDELCO award-winning production of “Sugar Ray” and the Washington, D.C. run of “From the Mississippi Delta.”The talented cast includes K. Sidney, Lee Palmer, Jacob Smith, David Sitler, and Lawrence Evans, promising a hilarious and heartwarming performance.
A Sweet Collaboration
In a delightful partnership, WBTT has teamed up with The Original Wolfie’s restaurant. Patrons with “Coconut Cake” tickets can enjoy a complimentary slice of coconut layer cake when they purchase a menu item at the restaurant.
If You Go
“Coconut Cake” will run from June 12-23, 2024, at the Donelly Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or visiting westcoastblacktheatre.org. Don’t miss this delectable and heartwarming comedy that celebrates life’s mysteries and the power of community.
