We all remember his groundbreaking and influential music. For me, his music makes me swoon.

Music icon Marvin Gaye’s unparalleled vocal talent, groundbreaking artistry, authenticity, and crossover appeal made him one of the most popular and revered musicians of his era (the 70’s) and beyond. Fifty years later, leave it to the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe to resurrect his soul & R & B music in “Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul” music that chronicles the early years up to the final days before his tragic demise. The show previewed last night and runs through May 26 at the WCBLT stage at 1012 N. Orange Avenue.

WCBLT’s Nate Jacobs is credited with creating this original show centered on Gaye, portrayed by Sarasota’s Sheldon Rhoden – a Gaye lookalike and soundalike who has reprised the role multiple times in the revision of the original that is currently playing at WCBLT. The show is not a musical revue; it tells the story of Gaye’s rise to fame and his often-troublesome past laced with drug abuse, infidelity and divorce, and the entire cast has an incredible synergy together as they play their individual roles in Gaye’s tumultuous life that led to Gaye’s untimely death in 1984 at the age of 44. His death – by the hands of his own father – only cemented his legacy as one of the greatest and most influential artists in American music history. He is widely regarded as the “Prince of Motown” and the “Prince of Soul” for his immense impact on the genre.

The first part of the musical isn’t as exciting as the second part (after a 15 minute intermission), but that’s probably because Gaye’s early songs that are sun by Rhoden, are unfamiliar to many.  The second act blows the show out of the water with dancers, and a medley of Gaye’s greatest hits: Albums like “What’s Going On” (1971) and “Let’s Get It On” (1973) were revolutionary, blending social commentary, spirituality, and sensuality in a way that influenced countless later artists.

Gaye was a gifted, innovative, and enduring talent who blazed the trail for the continued evolution of popular Black music, from powerful R&B and sophisticated soul to an intensely political and personal form of artistic self-expression. The show covers Gaye’s singing career from the 1950s through his shocking death at the hands of his father in the mid-1980s.

His groundbreaking and influential music solidified Gaye as the first Motown artist to break away from the label’s more formulaic pop sound and push the boundaries of soul music. The big takeaway from seeing this musical is that Gaye was known for his raw honesty and willingness to explore personal and political themes in his music. He sang about love, social injustice, and his own inner turmoil with a level of vulnerability that resonated deeply with audiences.

Tear Jerking Moments: Brian L. Boyd as Marvin’s brother “Frankie” did an outstanding job of conveying the emotions of a returning Vietnam War veteran. A scene between Rhoden and Boyd brought tears to all around me as his pain was shared with the audience.

Kudos to the ensemble of Gaye’s musical group, as well as the females who played his “frustrated” wives (Gaye was a notorious philanderer).

A Celebration of Gaye’s Musical Legacy

The story is set in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown music. Audience members will appreciate the depth of Gaye’s musical talent and learn about his personal backstory. Some of the hits audiences can look forward to hearing are “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Pride and Joy,” “What’s Going On,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Sexual Healing,” and “Let’s Get It On,” among many others. Jacobs also wrote two songs that are featured in the show.
A Highly Successful and Requested Production
The earliest version of this production was presented as “Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Music” in 2011. It was Rhoden’s first starring role in a professional production and it played to sold-out audiences. Patrons clamored for a return, and the show was featured again in 2014 and 2018, showcasing a much more seasoned and confident Rhoden.
A Vibrant and Polished Show
“Sheldon never fails to do an incredible job in this role – the combination of his charisma and talent and Marvin Gaye’s music have made this show our most-requested, with highly successful runs,” said Jacobs. “This time around, we will feature a couple of new songs, new and exciting cast members, new costumes and set design, and fresh staging – return patrons will enjoy a more vibrant and polished show than previous productions. Some nights are already sold out – we encourage community members to reserve their seats now, before it’s too late!” For its 24th season, titled “Simply the Best!” Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe couldn’t think of a better way to close the season than with its most-requested original musical, “Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul.” Sheldon Rhoden will reprise the title role for the fourth time; previous productions took place in 2011, 2014 and 2018.

The show – which was written, adapted and is being directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs – runs April 17 – May 26, 2024. Evening performances take place Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. in The Donelly Theatre of Westcoast Black Theatre (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota).

A gifted, innovative, and enduring talent, Gaye blazed the trail for the continued evolution of popular Black music, from powerful R&B and sophisticated soul to an intensely political and personal form of artistic self-expression. This show covers the singing career of Marvin Gaye from the 1950s through his shocking death at the hands of his father in the mid-1980s.

The story is set in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown music. Audience members will appreciate the depth of Gaye’s musical talent and learn about his personal backstory. Some of the hits audiences can look forward to hearing are “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Pride and Joy,” “What’s Going On,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Sexual Healing,” and “Let’s Get It On,” among many others. Jacobs also wrote two songs that are featured in the show.

The earliest version of this production was presented as “Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Music” in 2011. It was Rhoden’s first starring role in a professional production and it played to sold-out audiences. Patrons clamored for a return and got it with the 2014 run, which showcased a much more seasoned and confident Rhoden; the show was featured again in 2018.

“Sheldon never fails to do an incredible job in this role – the combination of his charisma and talent and Marvin Gaye’s music have made this show our most-requested, with highly successful runs,” said Jacobs. “This time around, we will feature a couple of new songs, new and exciting cast members, new costumes and set design, and fresh staging – return patrons will enjoy a more vibrant and polished show than previous productions. Some nights are already sold out – we encourage community members to reserve their seats now, before it’s too late!”

While several new artists will join WBTT for the show, audiences will see lots of favorites – some of whom appeared in the 2018 production – including: Ariel Blue, Brian L. Boyd, Jada Carson, Jazzmin Carson, Michael Kinsey, LaKesha Lorene, Delores McKenzie, Jonathan Isaac, Michael Mendez, Raleigh Mosely II, Amber Myers, Avery Lamar Pope, Jai Shanae, Terry Spann, and Emerald Rose Sullivan.

Music director is Matthew McKinnon, who also plays main keys. The rest of the band is: Jamar Camp, auxiliary keys; Jordan Henry, bass; Dan Haedicke, guitar; and Henley Connor III, drums.

If You Go:

Tickets are $50/adults, $20/students and active military (with valid ID). Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists, and builds self-esteem in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.

~ Andrea Martone