American Roots: The Gospel Experience at Westcoast Black Theatre Troup

Due to community response, the streaming video of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale collaboration, "American Roots: The Gospel Experience," is being held over. The presentation - which is available in open-captioned and non-captioned format - will now be available through November 30.

In October 2019, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale came together for this exuberant collaboration, which explored the rich tradition of Black gospel music in America through three sold-out performances at churches in Sarasota and Venice. The October 19th performance at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key was filmed; that is the show that is available online.

The third offering in the Key Chorale's American Roots series, this edition brought together two of Sarasota's most renowned performing arts groups, weaving the spirited style of WBTT's singers, dancers and musicians with the soaring choral harmonies of the Key Chorale Chamber Singers. The high-energy performance celebrates the deeply emotional music and movement at the heart of African American worship. Highlights include "Amazing Grace," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Oh Happy Day" and "Wade in the Water."

Tickets to watch the two-hour streaming video are $25 per household (with or without captions); patrons will receive an exclusive access code that is valid for 24 hours from the time that code is activated, with access ending November 30. To purchase access, go to wbtt.org; information is also available at keychorale.org.