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Sophisticated Ladies 1981

Opened: March 1, 1981
Closing: January 02, 1983

Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 Broadway History , Info & More

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (Broadway)
205 West 46th St. New York, NY

The musical legacy of Duke Ellington, considered amongst the world's greatest composers and musicians, is celebrated in this stylish and brassy retrospective that has taken audiences and critics alike by storm throughout the world. Memorable music and incredible dancing transport you into the Grand Duke's world. Sophisticated Ladies is a glorious recreation of the Duke Ellington big band sound, featuring his most famous numbers from the infamous speakeasy era of the Cotton Club, the Harlem Renaissance, art deco, and high society, including:



"It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Take the 'A' Train," "Satin Doll," and the haunting "In a Sentimental Mood." This is the eye-­?popping, foot-­?stomping, Tony Award-­?winning musical extravaganza that will send you into jazz heaven. It's an unforgettable celebration of the genius of Duke Ellington, brought to vibrant life with amazing talent, a sensational big band orchestra, sparkling staging, and all the lights and colors of Broadway!


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Lights of All Broadway Theatres to be Dimmed for Gavin Creel, Adrian Bailey & Maggie Smith
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2024


After a public petition and outcry to dim all the lights of Broadway for some recent passings of stage legelends. All Broadway theatres in New York will dim their lights in honor of Adrian Bailey, Gavin Creel, and Maggie Smith.

Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Memory of Adrian Bailey
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2024


Adrian Bailey passed away on September 22, 2024, at the age of 67. In a rare tradition that reflects the magnitude of Mr. Bailey’s impact on the Broadway industry and the community, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of one theater from every Theater Owner on Broadway in his honor. Learn more.

Update: All Broadway Lights to Be Dimmed for Hinton Battle
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 2, 2024


On March 12, 2024, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim all the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute at exactly 6:45pm, in his honor.

Wake Up With BWW 2/10: Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf Will Lead DEATH OF A SALESMAN Revival, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2020


Today's top stories: Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf will lead a revival of Death of a Salesman in 2021, and more!

Broadway and Film Actress Paula Kelly Dies at 76
by Stephi Wild - Feb 9, 2020


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. She was 76. Kelly made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in the 1964 musical Something More!, alongside Barbara Cook. Her other Broadway credits include The Dozens (1969), Paul Sills' Story Theatre (1971), Ovid's Metamorphoses (1971), and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies (1981).

PTAMD Honors Donald McKayle With A Free Memorial Performance During The 2019 Season
by Julie Musbach - Aug 8, 2019


Paul Taylor American Modern Dance (PTAMD) returns to Lincoln Center for its annual Season at the David H. Koch Theater from October 29 to November 17, featuring the Paul Taylor Dance Company (PTDC). Paul Taylor: Celebrate the Dancemaker honors the legacy of founder Paul Taylor, who died in 2018. 

Watch Award-Winning Shows on BroadwayHD and Vote for the Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Special Coverage - May 26, 2017


As the Tony Awards approach, and New York's other prestigious awards are being handed out, what better time to dive into some of Broadway's best productions ever captured on film. In BroadwayHD's vast library, they have countless award-winning productions ready to stream.  We have pulled together some of our favorites below. Check them out and don't forget to vote in the 15th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. After you have voted for your favorite shows, designs, and performances of the season, you will receive a code for one free month of BroadwayHD as a thank you. 

Leslie Uggams to Perform at Amas Musical Theatre's 45th Anniversary Benefit Gala, 3/31
by BWW News Desk - Jan 23, 2014


Amas Musical Theatre, New York City's award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since 1968, will celebrate its 45th Anniversary at a gala benefit on Monday, March 31st, 2014 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center (East 25th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues). Honorary Chair for the event is veteran Broadway virtuoso Maurice Hines.

Photo Blast From The Past: Phyllis Hyman
by Walter McBride - Mar 6, 2012


Welcome to BroadwayWorld.com's newest photo series 'Photo Blast From the Past'. Featuring some of the collected theatre gem's of BroadwayWorld's own senior photographer Walter McBride, the series will feature images from his archives of theatre and Hollywood related gems. Check out Phyllis Hyman (Sophisticated Ladies, 1981) - once upon a time!

Evita's Terri Klausner Appears with Steve Marzullo on May 15
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2006


The Duplex Cabaret Theatre is pleased to present Broadway's Terri Klausner and Steve Marzullo in a special, encore concert event on Monday, March 15 at 7pm.

Sophisticated Ladies History

Other Productions of Sophisticated Ladies

1981   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1982   US Tour National Tour
US Tour

Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1981 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Gregg Burge
1981 Tony Awards Best Choreography Henry le Tan
1981 Tony Awards Best Choreography Donald McKayle
1981 Tony Awards Best Choreography Michael Smuin
1981 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Willa Kim
1981 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Michael Smuin
1981 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Jennifer Tipton
1981 Tony Awards Best Musical Roger S. Berlind
1981 Tony Awards Best Musical Manheim Fox
1981 Tony Awards Best Musical Sondra Gilman
1981 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Hinton Battle
1981 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Gregory Hines
1981 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Phyllis Hyman

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