As previously reported, Jeffrey Hatcher's biographical stage musical Ella — starring Tina Fabrique as the late Fitzgerald — will play the Connecticut venue July 8-27.
"While she's rehearsing for an important 1966 concert, Ella's producer requests that she add 'patter' about her life to the show," press notes for Ella state. Rob Ruggiero stages the production, which incorporates such classics as "That Old Black Magic," "A Tiskit, A Tasket" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me."
The company will also present a special engagement of Tony and Emmy Award winner Elaine Stritch in Elaine Stritch: at Liberty July 31-Aug. 3.
At Liberty traces Stritch's career, which includes roles in Company, The Little Foxes, Bus Stop, A Delicate Balance, Sail Away and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Song titles include "The Ladies Who Lunch," "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Broadway Baby," "Zip," "Why Do the Wrong People Travel?" and "I'm Still Here." The show received a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event as well as two Drama Desk Awards — Outstanding Solo Performance for Stritch and Outstanding Book of a Musical for Stritch and John Lahr. George C. Wolfe directed the Broadway run following a sold-out engagement at the Public Theater. The Broadway production at the Neil Simon Theatre played Feb. 6-May 27, 2002. The production, which was filmed for HBO, was later awarded an Emmy.
Actress and writer Carrie Fisher will bring her latest solo work, Wishful Drinking, to Connecticut Aug. 6-17. The autobiographical show is currently playing Berkeley Repertory Theatre through March 30. "Aside from a demanding career and her role as a single mother, Carrie spends her free time battling addiction, weathering the wild ride of manic depression, and lounging around various mental institutions," read show notes. "The work offers insights and experiences from her life and career covering everything from 'Star Wars' to having Elizabeth Taylor as a stepmother to her marriage with Paul Simon and more."
Tickets for Hartford Stage's SummerStage are currently on sale to members and begin sale to the general public on April 14. For tickets and more information visit hartfordstage.org.
