Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens season with Duke Ellington revue

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has opened its 2026-2027 MainStage season, themed “Rhapsodies of Rhythm,” with the musical revue “Sophisticated Ladies.”The production, a tribute to jazz composer Duke Ellington, runs October 14 through November 22, 2026, in The Donelly Theatre at WBTT, located at 1012 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota.“Sophisticated Ladies” originated on Broadway, starring Gregory Hines and Phyllis Hyman, and earned multiple Tony Award nominations.The show features more than two dozen songs, including “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Satin Doll,” “Mood Indigo” and “Sophisticated Lady.”WBTT has previously featured Ellington’s music in productions including “Syncopated Avenue,” “Bubbling Brown Sugar” and “Broadway in Black,” as well as in its education program, Jazzlinks.Director also performs in productionJim Weaver, WBTT’s Assistant Artistic Director and Director of Education, directs “Sophisticated Ladies” and also performs in the show. Weaver grew up in New York