On Assignment w/ CT

Stephen and I saw ELLA at the Dallas Theatre Center. BRILLIANT production & performances.  We also saw Miss Fitzgerald in Dallas and I'll share that in a sec.

Ella, the play has been held over for an extra week (2.18.08)  because the demand to see it has been OVERWHELMING.  The production is set in Nice, France in 1966 and Ella's in rehearsal but she's conflicted about performing because she's just attended the funeral of a loved one ( I won't be a spoiler cuz I hope you see it). She reviews her life and shares that with the audience in 2 Acts through voice and song.  

 E.  Faye Butler protrays the legendary Ella Fitzgerald and she is AMAZING. Her singing is extraordinary and her acting is soul-touching. The musicians also act and they're OUTTASITE!  Her on stage manager is also very strong.  Our audience gave the cast 2 STANDING O'S.

So, Stephen and I saw Miss Fitzgerald in Dallas when she performed at the Venetian Room in the Fairmont Hotel. That night still gives me a thrill. She was in basic black, there was just a chair, a mic,  a spotlight and that's all The Lady needed. WOW.  She scatted & jammed & rocked with her perfect pitch & 3 octave range crystal-shattering range.  We wouldn't let her end the set...wouldn't let her leave the stage.  

The Extraordinary Ella Fitzgerald died in 1996...the world has her songbooks and dvd's. Imagine the jam sessions in Heaven with all the other The Musical Greats!!!!!!!!!