Full Monty Star De Shields Is Jazzman in Ambassador Satch, Dec. 6-21

By Ernio Hernandez
06 Dec 2003

Two-time Tony Award nominee André De Shields stars in Ambassador Satch at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, Dec. 6-21.

Ambassador Satch by James R. Mirrione and De Shields celebrates the life and music of legendary musician Louis Armstrong and "explores his celebrity as an international ambassador and his controversial role as cultural icon," according to a release. The title is borrowed from the 1956 release by the artist known by his nickname Satchmo — shortened from a childhood name "Satchelmouth" referring to the his sizable mouth.

The show features De Shields with Stacie Precia singing Armstrong's beloved songs such as "What A Wonderful World," "Black & Blue," "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "When the Saints Go Marching In."

Laurence Maslon directs. Arrangements and music direction are by Terry Waldo. Choreography and musical staging is handled by Mercedes Ellington.

The new work had its world premiere earlier this year at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia.

De Shields garnered his Tony nods — both in the featured actor for a musical category — for his turns in The Full Monty and Play On!. Other Broadway credits include The Wiz, Stardust, Ain't Misbehavin' and 1984's André De Shields' Haarlem Nocturne — which he conceived, wrote, directed, composed, choreographed and performed in.

For tickets to Ambassador Satch at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place in White Plains, NY, call (888) 977-2250. For more information, visit www.wppac.com.