Lies, Spells & Old Wives' Tales

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will close its 2025-2026 “Soul Of A People” theatre season with “Lies, Spells & Old Wives’ Tales.” The brand new, world-premiere musical comedy runs from April 8 – May 17, 2026 in The Donelly Theatre of WBTT (1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota). This is a completely homegrown production, with original music composed by Nate Jacobs and orchestrated and arranged by Dan Sander-Wells, with the book by Michael Jacobs. Audiences will be taken on a fanciful journey of featuring storytelling and fun music. “Lies, Spells & Old Wives’ Tales” celebrates the spirit, identity, and cultural essence of a people. The concept for the show – an exploration of the sayings, values, tales and traditions that pass through generations orally, by way of the matriarchs - was inspired by Jacobs’ own mother and grandmother. Nate Jacobs will direct; music director is John Bronston. Performances take place Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $54/adults, $24/students (25 and under) and active military, and $44/adults for preview shows (first three nights of the run). Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call the Box Office (941-366-1505) for tickets.