'JOURNEY OF A BOMBSHELL' to Play Final Performance 11/17 at United Solo

Below, check out a brand new trailer for "Journey of a Bombshell: The Ina Ray Hutton Story", written and performed by Melissa Ritz and directed and developed by Julie Kline, running through November 17, 2014 at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) as part of the 2014 United Solo Theatre Festival!

The one-woman play with music and tap dancingexplores the incredible life of one of entertainment history's most dynamic women. Ritz's new show features choreography by Tony Coppola and music arrangements by Barry Best. The design team includes costumes by Becky Bodurtha, Janie Bullard on sound and Gil Sperling on video and projections. Rae Rossi is stage managing. Video footage is provided courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Ina Ray Hutton was the most successful female bandleader of the Big Band era. She conducted The Melodears, an all-girl band, was the first woman to conduct male bands of the 40's and 50's, and the first woman to have her own TV show. At the age of eight, a Vaudeville producer arranged for her to perform in his children's show in NYC, which led to a successful 30-year career in entertainment. However, her success in the spotlight was threatened by a secret she couldn't afford to reveal.

2014 United Solo, the world's largest solo theatre festival, celebrates its 5th anniversary season and its dynamic expansion in scope and popularity. For more information, visit unitedsolo.org/us/. Tickets are $19.25 and may be purchased in advance at www.telecharge.com or call 212.239.6200. For more information on the show visit www.journeyofabombshell.com.

Melissa Ritz (Writer/Performer) received a BA in Dance and an MFA in Performance from theUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas, after an accomplished career in the United States Air Force.She completed a world-wide tour as a vocalist and dancer in Tops In Blue, a division of AirForce Entertainment. www.melissa-ritz.com.

Julie Kline developed and directed Erin Layton's award-winning solo show MAGDALEN, produced at the NYC, Santa Cruz Fringe Festivals and United Solo 2013, where it was awarded Best Documentary Script. Other recent directing credits include Jamie Cowperthwait's HUNTINGTON (Judson Memorial Church Magic Time), Kristen Palmer's THE STRAY DOG (Rising Phoenix Rep CINO Nights) and numerous new play readings and workshops. She is a Literary Manager at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Artistic Associate of Rising Phoenix Repertory, and Program Director for Roots&Branches Theater, where she leads inter-generational theater workshops across the five boroughs. www.juliekline.com