Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of Jazz Musical JELLY'S LAST JAM at Le Petit Theatre

Director Jackie Alexander (The High Priestes s of Dark Alley) returns to Le Petit this winter to tackle the explosive musical, Jelly's Last Jam, celebrating the controversial and iconic figure that is New Orleans' jazz musician, Jelly Roll Morton. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast in costume!

Born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton rose to fame as a musician and arranger in the early part of the twentieth century, and soon proclaimed himself "the inventor of jazz." Led by the charismatic and mysterious Chimney Man and his trio of heavenly songbirds, The Hunnies, the audience takes a journey with Jelly Roll through the pivotal moments of his life.

Le Petit Theatre welcomes acclaimed tap choreographer and actor Ted Louis Levy to the role of Jelly Roll Morton. Levy received Drama Desk and Tony nominations, and received an Outer Critics Circle award, for his tap choreography on the original Broadway production of Jelly's Last Jam. Levy's tap choreography will be revitalized on the Le Petit stage, as many of his original tap routines from the Broadway production are revisited.

New Orleans' Equity actors, IDella Johnson (Anita) and Robert Diago DoQui (Jack the Bear) join the cast in leading roles. They are joined by L.G. Williams II (Young Jelly), Damien Moses (Chimney Man), Mikhala Iversen (Gran Mimi), Tomeka L. Williams (Mamie) and Kebron Woodfin (Buddy Bolden). Shangobunmi Durotimi Mcalpine, Jarrell Hamilton, and Traci Tolmaire are the trio of heavenly Hunnies. The cast is rounded out by a dynamic ensemble that includes Owen H. Dunne, Alysha Jean, Ebony Johnson, Lloyd Meekins, and Tyler Price .

The production will feature a band composed of New Orleans' finest jazz musicians led by Music Director and Pianist, Tom Hook . The band, who will be featured on-stage, features John Jones on drums, Brandon Brunious on banjo, Khari Allen Lee on reeds, Edward Anderson on trumpet, David Pulphus on bass, and Michael Watson on trombone.

Jelly's Last Jam was written by George C. Wolfe , and features lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and music by Jelly Roll Morton and Luther Henderson .

The creative team includes Jackie Alexander (director), Traci Tolmaire (choreographer), Bill Walker (set design), Julie Winn (costume design), Andrew Griffin (lighting design) and Theo Fogelman (sound design).

Opening night is Friday, January 27 at 7:30 PM. The show runs through February 12, 2017 at LE PETIT THEATRE - 616 St. Peter St. New Orleans LA 70116. Contact the box office at 504.522.2081 or visit LePetitTheatre.com. Tickets: $35-50 for Adults, $15 for Students and Children.

Photo Credit: Sandy Boyer and Brittney Werner