Theater Review: Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul

SARASOTA – The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s latest production Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul is an electrifying showcase based on the talented yet complicated musical superstar.

The show stars Sheldon Rhoden, who is reprising his role and celebrating his 10th year with WBTT. Rhoden, an accomplished singer in his own right, is fitting for the smooth, soul crooner, Gaye. The Sarasota native also played the lead role in the first two versions when it was Marvin Gaye: The Man and His Musicin 2011 and 2014.

The production tells Gaye’s life story from his teenage years until his tragic and unexpected death on the eve of his 45th birthday. Our perspective of Gaye is seen through the eyes of his brother Frankie (Brian L. Boyd), his mother Alberta (Ariel Blue), his ex-wives Anna (Alicia Thomas) and Janis (Emerald Rose Sullivan), and Motown’s Berry Gordy (Ian Fermy).

WBTT’s founder and artistic director, Nate Jacobs, created the show and shaped the majority of the story around Frankie’s book "Marvin Gaye, My Brother.“

One of the show’s main plots is Gaye’s contentious relationship with his father played by a fantastic Leon Pitts II. The extremely critical and very hyper-religious patriarch is completely against his son’s Ôevil’ secular music career. Their relationship was so bad that Gaye added the Ôe’ to his last name to further distance himself from his father.

Act II features Gaye’s famous duets with singers Kim Weston (Ashley D. Brooks) and Tammi Terrell (Jai Shanae).

Rhoden and Brooks’ performances of the hits, "It Takes Two“ and "It’s Me“ are spot on. Gaye’s smash hit "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough“ with his most notable duet partner, Terrell, absolutely shined. This segment of the show is a definite highlight of the evening.

Unfortunately, Terrell’s death from a brain tumor at just 24 devastated Gaye and sent him into depression. Gaye would struggle with drug abuse on and off his adult life.

During the 1970s, Gaye adapted his look and musical style to the current trends of the time. Frankie’s draft into the Vietnam War and Gaye’s own observations of injustice inspired his most iconic single and album both titled "What’s Going On.“

Other notable works featured during the show are "I Heard It Through the Grapevine,“ "Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,“ "Mercy Mercy Me,“ and of course "Let’s Get It On.“

The band, led by musical director, Jay E. Dodge II, is a seasoned group. Their hard work and dedication to the soundtrack’s accuracy doesn’t go unnoticed.

The show runs a little long but never drags, and it features all of Gaye’s biggest hits performed by highly-competent musicians. That alone is worth the price of admission.

ÔMarvin Gaye: Prince of Soul’ is directed by Nate Jacobs and runs until January 13th. For more info, go to their website www.westcoastblacktheatre.org.