Fabrique Is Ella in Pittsburgh, Starting Oct. 1

By Kenneth Jones
01 Oct 2009

Tina Fabrique in Ella at the Guthrie Theater this summer.
Tina Fabrique in Ella at the Guthrie Theater this summer.
Photo by Ed Krieger

Pittsburgh Public Theater's production of Ella, the regionally hot bio-musical about jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, stars Tina Fabrique, who has played it to acclaim around the country. Performances play PPT's O'Reilly Theater Oct. 1–Nov. 1.

Co-creator Rob Ruggiero again directs. Opening night is Oct. 9.

According to PPT, "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."

The show includes 23 pop and jazz standards made famous by Fitzgerald.

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 tickets call (412) 316-1600 or visit www.ppt.org. Pittsburgh Public Theater is led by producing artistic director Ted Pappas.

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