Celebrate Christmas with the Westcoast Black Theatre Company’s World Premiere of “A Motown Christmas” through December 31, 2015.

Westcoast Black Theatre Company has proven once again a powerhouse - always game for an entertainment celebration.

The indomitable Nate Jacobs participated in the show, which he created and adapted, and it was wonderful to see him on stage. The entire cast has beautiful voices, but there was something especially enthralling to see the WBTT’s theatrical champion center stage. It was lovely to see on full display the grace and experience of Jacobs’ many years both in front of and behind the scenes resonating throughout his entire being. There is no question you must earn that kind of stage presence. He brought the house down with his call for peace in his beautiful rendition of “Bless This House.”

Among the special treats of the evening were seeing Michael Mendez and Chris Eisenberg back on the WBTT stage, and it was clear that Jacobs takes great pride in watching his protégés, with their honeyed voices and showmanship. Michael sang beautifully for “Give Love on Christmas Day,” and Christopher and MaRah Williams, a newcomer to the WBTT stage, gave a show stopping performance of “Mary Did You Know.”

Another newcomer Mandi Jo John has the bright voice of a Broadway Disney princess – especially sunny and delightful was her rendition of “My Favorite Things.”

The set design by Michael Newton-Brown was beautiful and festive - perfect to set the mood for the holiday season.  Also notable was the choreography by Donald Frison, particularly in the opening song of Act 2, called “We Rejoice” with a tremendous African fusion dance style. And you’ve never seen Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer get his groove back quite like he does in this production.

The WBTT masterfully engage the audience and their enthusiasm is infectious. “A Motown Christmas” is a wonderful way to set the mood for the holiday season. For tickets go to http://westcoastblacktheatre.org/