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Stage
Ella, in song and story
By JOHN FLEMING
Published May 10, 2007
Tina Fabrique is Ella Fitzgerald in Ella, a musical that opens Friday at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. It's 1966, and Fitzgerald has gathered together her band for a rehearsal in Nice, France, where she is scheduled to give a concert shortly after the death of her beloved half sister. It becomes an occasion for the singer to reminisce about her life as well as perform some 25 songs, including classics like That Old Black Magic, Blue Skies, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off and Oh, Lady Be Good. This production of Ella, directed by Rob Ruggiero, who conceived the show with Dyke Garrison, has been performed at several regional theaters, including Florida Stage, Arizona Theatre Company and Cleveland Playhouse. Along with Fabrique, the cast includes Harold Dixon as Fitzgerald's longtime manager, Norman Granz, and a four-piece jazz combo to play the arrangements of musical director Danny Holgate. Jeffrey Hatcher wrote the book. Ella runs through June 10 at the Asolo, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $18-$53. (941) 351-8000 or toll-free 1-800-361-8388; www.asolo.org.
[Last modified May 9, 2007, 21:04:07]
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