A Tony Award-winning theatrical journey through Duke Ellington’s music, Sophisticated Ladies is a dynamic musical revue that immerses audiences in elegance and timeless style. Featuring hits including “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” every song tells a story on its own, capturing the romance, humor and refined style of the time.
The multi-talented ensemble cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Sophisticated Ladies has been highly praised by critics for their strong vocals, precision tap dancing, and ability to capture the elegant spirit of the Duke Ellington era. [1]
Principal Cast & Roles
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- Jim Weaver portrays The Raconteur – The show’s director pulls double duty onstage, balancing the younger cast with a perfectly seasoned performance during classics like “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”. [1]
- Jazzmin Carson embodies The Chanteuse – A familiar WBTT favorite who delivers a strong, elegant vocal performance that anchors the musical revue’s signature style. [1]
- Leon S. Pitts II plays The Hipster – Another returning WBTT veteran who brings smooth charisma and top-tier showmanship to the stage. [1, 2]
- Dawn Derow performs as The Soubrette – A newer face to the WBTT stage who turns heads with torchy, tantalizing solos. [1]
- Jeff Gallup acts as The Danseur – A newcomer to the company who shines as a principal dancer, handling intricate, high-energy choreography. [1]
- Marcel Joshua steps in as The Jazzbo – Another fresh addition to the troupe praised by reviewers for his standout, multi-talented moments. [1]
- Jocelyn Darci Trimmer captures The Lead Dancer / Ensemble – Features prominently alongside Jim Weaver in the show’s striking promotional choreography and romantic numbers. [1]
Ensemble & Production Understudies
The high-voltage energy of the large-scale production numbers is driven by a vibrant supporting ensemble: [1]
- Featured Ensemble: Kristen Grace Brown, Rachel Caron, Elbi Cespedes, William Feldon, Kristina Haley, Alyssa Jo Marten, Dave Pitts, and Mark Wildman.
- Swings & Understudies: Marta McKinnon and Ulric Alfred Taylor stand ready at the wings to keep the fast-paced show moving flawlessly. [1]
