Westcoast Black Theater Troupe marks 20 years with soulful celebration
The 20th anniversary celebration was held Nov. 18 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
By
Harry Sayer
| 11:00 p.m. November 18, 2019
Black Tie
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The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe put on quite a show for its 20th anniversary Nov. 18 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now!" celebration recognized the many trials and triumphs the theatre troupe has experienced in its two decades of performing, with founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs thanking the many attendees who supported them along the way. Honorees Dr. Randall Morgan, Karen Morgan, Michael Gardiner and Karen Gardiner were each given the Heart & Soul Philanthropy Award, while co-chairwomen Carolyn Michel and Lois Watson were recognized for their work bringing the event to life.
Guests enjoyed a "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now!" performance that included the compositions, Broadway tunes and soul music that has defined the theater troupe.
Co-chairwoman Lois Watson, founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and co-chairwomen Carolyn Michel
John Cranor, Jaih Jackson and Kitty Cranor
Charles Lattimore and Sean Presley
Attendees stopped by a robust dessert buffet after the show.
Honorees Karen and Dr. Randall Morgan
Honorees Karen and Michael Gardiner
Chris Gelvin and Elizabeth Moore
Jon Thaxton and Jim Shirley with Terri and Michael Klauber
Jennifer and Rob Rominiecki
Neyce Vaughn and J.l. Cash
Earline Williams, Janice Baker, Jeffrey Karasawa and Edwin Velasco
Ed Swan, Gordon Gregory and Michael White
Kimberley Pelyk and Mira Akins with Hannah and Greg McDaniel
D. Franklin and Michael Mendez
Lauretth Anderson, April Glasco and Leon Pitts
Ashley Perez and Lany Clas
Judith Economos, Donal Shea, Andrew Economos and Nancy Blackburn
Randy Gilmore and Silve Waals
Caroline Amory and Marjorie Floyd
Claudia Cardillo, Mike Hurney, Mary Harrison and Jon Donnell
Jerry and Pam Brabant
Morris Hylton and Dre Sorrell
Steve Graham, Tarra Conner Jones and Phil Baker
Barbara Edelin, Claudia and Ed Swan and Dennis Rees
Danny Lee and Dee Herrold
Doug Anderson, Donald Johnson, Brian Boyd and Brentney Stephens
David and Robin Shapiro with Richard and Barbara Perlman
