SATCHMO AT THE WALDORF is a Hit for Long Wharf Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre's production of Satchmo at the Waldorf has become the biggest hit in the history of the theatre's Stage II.

The show, written by Terry Teachout, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein, and starring John Douglas Thompson, has become the highest grossing play since Stage II opened during the 1977-78 season. The play has brought in more single ticket sales than the 2008-09 season production of Hughie, starring Brian Dennehy. Ranking third on the list is Dennehy again, appearing in Krapp's Last Tape during the 2011-12 season.

Final performances run through November 11. Tickets are still available at www.longwharf.org and by calling 203-787-4282.

"We are extremely grateful to the audience for their support of this production," said Managing Director Josh Borenstein. "Every night, we hear words of praise from our patrons, which is an extraordinarily gratifying feeling."

"John Douglas Thompson's portrayal of beloved jazz great Louis Armstrong is one of the indelible performances in the 48-year history of Long Wharf Theatre. His exhilarating tour de force that navigates between the aging trumpeter and his predatory white Jewish manager Joe Glaser has been a marvel to behold. What a joy to have been associated with this project," said Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

In addition, the number of single tickets sold ranks near the top of the list in Stage II history. The top shows since 1998 are Hughie by Eugene O'Neill; The Mandrake Root, written by and starring Lynn Redgrave (2000-01 season); Satchmo at the Waldorf; Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett; Modern Orthodox by Daniel Goldfarb (2000-01 season); and An American Daughter by Wendy Wasserstein (1998-99 season).

This has been a fruitful time for Long Wharf Theatre. Renovations to the Mainstage are on schedule. The number of new subscribers is up this year and the renewal rate for subscription is over 80 percent in an industry where the average is approximately 70 percent. In addition, the theatre has enacted new flexible ticketing plans in order to make attending Long Wharf as easy and as cost effective as possible.

For more information about Long Wharf Theatre, or to purchase tickets to a show in the 2012-13 season, visit www.longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.

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