The production, characterized as the highest-grossing show in Arena Stage's 60-year history, was directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and choreographed by its star, the Broadway veteran Maurice Hines. Tickets for the extension are on sale now through the Arena Stage Sales Office by calling (202) 488-3300 or visiting www.arenastage.org.

Sophisticated Ladies is a musical revue based on the music of Duke Ellington and was conceived by Donald McKayle (Broadway and Arena's Raisin), with music, dance and vocal arrangements by Lloyd Mayers, additional vocal arrangements by Malcolm Dodd and original music direction by Mercer Ellington.

"It explores the legacy of local jazz hero Duke Ellington and follows his journey from the beginnings in DC through his time in New York City to his national and international stardom," according to Arena. "The show travels through a history of song and dance. Big band music, from the roaring '20s through the swing era, serves as the show's soundtrack." The score features "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" and "Take the 'A' Train."