Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso

As part of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Sizzlin' Summer Cabaret Series, popular WBTT artist Michael Mendez will star in “Harry Belafonte: King of Calypso,” an original musical revue written and directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, with music selected and adapted by Mendez and Jacobs. This show was first performed by Mendez in October of 2023 on WBTT’s mainstage as well as featured during WBTT’s April Fools’ Fête in the spring of 2025. In this show, Mendez pays tribute to Belafonte, a barrier-breaking singer, actor and civil rights activist who passed away in 2023 at the age of 96. The show reflects the deep impact of Belafonte’s life, while revisiting well-known (and perhaps some new-to-you) Belafonte hits such as "Jump In the Line," "Matilda, Matilda," “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and many more. Mendez has performed for well over a decade with WBTT. He has become a fan favorite through roles in shows such as “In the Heights,” "Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul," "Soul Man," "Soul Crooners," "Joyful! Joyful!" and “Five Guys Named Moe.” He previously starred as a young Belafonte in the Troupe’s 2014 hit, "Harry and Lena," was Seymour in the 2015 blockbuster "Little Shop of Horrors," and played the titular role in 2016’s "The Wiz." He has appeared several times with WBTT at the International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C. Tickets are $35/adults, with limited VIP Sponsor seating available for $100.
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