ELLA Comes To TPAC 3/1-6

ELLA, the exhilarating new musical about "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald, is coming to TPAC's James K. Polk Theater, March 1-6. It's a life lived out loud in this theatrical event, which weaves myth, memory and music as it tells the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz/pop vocalists of 20th century music.

Dubbed "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. She was known for her flexible, wide-ranging voice and for her improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. Talkin' Broadway described the show as "A delightful tribute to a truly memorable singer."

The stage is set in 1966 and the fabled songstress is preparing for one of the most important concerts of her career. As she jams with the musicians (including famed trumpeter Louis Armstrong) and gets ready to meet the audience, Ella, played by Tina Fabrique, reflects on her life, her secrets and the love of music that made her soar.

"ELLA educates the audience about the life history of Ella Fitzgerald, and shares stories that many fans may not know," said Kathleen O'Brien, TPAC's president and CEO. Tina Fabrique embodies Ella Fitzgerald and is as close as one can get to the experience of seeing the First Lady of Song, live in concert."

Featuring more than a dozen of her most famous hits, including "A Tisket, A Tasket," "How High the Moon," "That Old Black Magic" and "They Can't Take that Away from Me," this swinging new musical invites audiences to fall in love all over again with the magic and soul of Ella Fitzgerald. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch raves "(ELLA) might have the best song list of any show ever."

The cast is comprised of Tina Fabrique as Ella, along with George Caldwell (pianist), Harold Dixon (Norman), Rodney Harper (drums), Joilet Harris (Ella cover), Ron Haynes (trumpet), and Cliff Kellam (bass). The creative team is made up of Michael Schweikart (sets), Alejo Vietti (costumes), Charles LaPointe (wigs), John Lasiter (lights) and Michael Miceli (sound).

Ticket prices range from $35 to $60 and are available at the TPAC box office 505 Deaderick Street (downtown). Order online by visiting tpac.org or by calling 615-782-4040. Group orders of 20 or more may be placed by calling 615-782-4060.

 

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