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Entertainment

This show has got that Ellington swing

Duke Ellington's musical legacy will fill the Ocala Civic Theatre during a play on the musical genius' life.

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published June 24, 2005

Duke Ellington's vast musical legacy is the focus of an upcoming summer play at Ocala Civic Theatre.

Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, billed as a "stylish and brassy retrospective," explores the Duke's early days at the Cotton Club and also evolves into a look at Ellington's backstage moments and personal life.

Among the songs are globally recognized swing standards such as It Don't Mean a Thing, Take The A Train, Satin Doll and Don't Get Around Much Anymore, just to name a few of the great hits.

The play is equity theater, featuring the professional, nonprofit Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founded in Sarasota in 1999 for the purpose of promoting, fostering and celebrating the African-American experience through presenting thought-provoking theater and increasing minority participation in the arts, according to a press release from the theater.

The Troupe's performers have sung in Broadway revues such as Cotton Club Cabaret, Eubie and A Raisin In The Sun. Last summer, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe brought its production of Ain't Misbehavin to Ocala.

Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies will open at Ocala Civic Theatre at 8:15 p.m. July 7 and 8; 2:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. July 9; and 2:15 p.m July 10. Tickets cost $19 for adults, $9 for full-time students and $5 for Marion Players. Ocala Civic Theatre is at 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. in the Appleton Cultural Center. For information or to make reservations, please call the box office at (352) 236-2274.

Currently playing on other community theater stages are:

SUMMER THEATER: Bad Dates, a one-woman comedy starring Sara Bartos, continues at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through July 9 at the New Millennia Studio, 316 S Broad St., Brooksville. Tickets are $7.50 for general seating and $15 for table seating. Call 352 592-0184 or visit the Web site: www.cafepress.com/newmillenniadg

HERMAN'S HIGHLIGHTS: Jerry's Girls: The Music and Lyrics of Jerry Herman continues through Sunday at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Doors open two hours before each show for buffet and cash bar. Dinner and show, $39.50; show only, $28.45; ages 12 and younger, $21.95 and $16.95, all plus tax and tip. Call toll-free 1-888-655-7469 for information.

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus County. Call 860-7313 or e-mail sanchez@sptimes.com

[Last modified June 24, 2005, 00:46:17]