Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents ELLA 10/1-11/1

Pittsburgh Public Theater opens its 35th season with Ella, the hit bio-musical about Ella Fitzgerald, known as The First Lady of Song. Presented by First Niagara and directed by Rob Ruggiero, Ella runs Oct. 1-Nov. 1, 2009 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit www.ppt.org. Pittsburgh Public Theater is led by Producing Artistic Director Ted Pappas.

Ella is set in 1966 on the French Riviera during a rehearsal and concert by Fitzgerald and her combo. As Ella (Tina Fabrique) reminisces about her life, we meet several people who were important to her. There's band leader Chick Webb (Rodney Harper) who gave Ella her first break, and Moe Gale (George Caldwell), who owned the famous Savoy Ballroom. Also significant to Ella were jazz trumpet player Louie Armstrong (Ron Haynes), and bassist Ray Brown (Clifton Kellem), who became her husband. In addition to their roles, these actor/musicians serve as Ella's onstage band. Also featured is Harold Dixon as Norman Granz, Ella's manager and the founder of Verve Records.

During Ella we will hear 23 legendary hits. Included are tunes by George & Ira Gershwin such as "Lady Be Good" and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," Cole Porter's "Night and Day," Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," and Ella's signature song, "How High the Moon." About Fabrique's performance, The Washington Post said: If you have a desire to be transported by the liquid notes of an entertainer at the height of her skills, you're likely to find this be-bopping actress mighty scat-isfying."

Ella was conceived by Rob Ruggiero and Dyke Garrison and written by Jeffrey Hatcher, with musical direction and arrangements by Danny Holgate. The design team for Ella is Michael Schweikardt (Scenic), Alejo Vietti (Costumes), John Lasiter (Lighting), and Michael Miceli (Sound). Richard Costabile is the Production Stage Manager. Joilet F. Harris will play Ella at some performances.

For more info about the history of Ella visit http://www.ellathemusical.com/