Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul

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 production – which was written, adapted and is being directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs – runs April 17 – June 2, 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. Tickets are $50/adults, $20/students and active military (with valid ID). Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.