Theater Review: A Motown Christmas

SARASOTA – The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will dazzle your eardrums with their holiday-themed show, ”A Motown Christmas.“ Created and adapted by WBTT Founder and Creative Director, Nate Jacobs, the show had the audience wiggling in their seats while singing the tunes of their youth.

Motown Records was started by Berry Gordy in 1959 in Detroit and went on to produce a large number of hits and hit makers, including: The Jackson 5, The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. Songs like, ”I Want You Back,“ by The Jackson 5, ”What’s Going On,“ by Marvin Gaye and ”My Girl,“ by The Temptations still play all over the world.

The show opened with the men appearing first as they crooned to Donny Hathaway's R&B classic, ”This Christmas.“ The men looked dashing in their suits and wore the confidence to match. The ladies soon entered and the ensemble was made.

Each singer had their moment to shine when they led a song. Nate Jacobs’ high notes were unmatched; his singing was angelic and controlled. It goes without saying that Mr. Jacobs is a seasoned singer and the veteran wasn’t shy to show off his amazing skills.

Christopher Eisenberg also carried a certain stage presence. Although he’s only 18, Eisenberg is no stranger to theater; he’s been involved with the WBTT since he was eight years old and made the top 48 on ”America’s Got Talent“ at 12. Despite his young age, Eisenberg showed a level of maturity that goes beyond his physical age and he is certainly one to watch in the future.

The WBTT welcomed a few newcomers to the stage–MaRah Williams and Mandi Jo John. Both ladies blended in well with the rest of the cast and displayed lovely voices. They had great chemistry with Ariel Blue, one of WBTT’s seasoned actresses. Their Christmas tree routine was a humorous moment.

The choreography was a definite highlight of the evening. The African dance during the beginning of Act II was a crowd favorite. Dancers Derric Gobourne, Jr. and Joshua Thompson stomped and stepped all night long. Their background support didn’t go unnoticed and they left it all on the floor during each number. Hats off to the show’s choreographer, Donald Frison, for an electrifying dance experience.

Kudos also goes out to the musicians in the live band. James E. Dodge and the rest of the band did a fine job giving the audience something to sing and clap to. You could hear each instrument perfectly fine and none overpowered the other. The WBTT continues to improve their sound; it was once a major weakness in previous shows and it's great to see that it’s improving.

Left-right: Michael Mendez, Leon S. Pitts II, Christopher Eisenberg (front), Sheldon Rhoden, Nate Jacobs. Credit: Don Daly Photo