ELLA – Celebrating “The First Lady of Song” – Comes to TPAC
Experience “The First Lady of Song” in ELLA, the new musical at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center March 1 through March 6, 2011 at the James K. Polk Theater.
Set in 1966 in Nice, France ELLA opens with Miss Ella Fitzgerald scatting away while performing a sound check in preparation of a sold out show. In Act1, the audience is given a brief history of Ella’s life – from her childhood to the present – told by the lady herself. Act 2 is her sold out show, where the audience is treated to some of her classics including, ‘A-Tisket, A-Tasket’, “How High the Moon’, ‘Blue Skies.’
Over all this show is a delight. Tina Fabrique plays Ella and does a magnificent job. She easily sings and scats through the show in a way that would do Miss Fitzgerald proud. She is easy on stage and carries the show effortlessly. You connect with her. You end up caring for her and wanting her to succeed.
Ms. Fabrique is backed by an amazing quartette. George Cadwell, Rodney Harper, Clifton Kellem and Ron Haynes are the band that any jazz singer would kill to perform with. They do a wonderful job of adding to the mood when needed or playing with everything in them. Mr. Haynes even steps forward at one point and channels Louie Armstrong for a couple of wonderful duets with Ms. Fabrique.
ELLA is playing through March 6th at the Polk Theater in the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. If you are a lover of Ella Fitzgerald, or just like to hear some really talented singers and musicians work their craft, this is the show to see.
Ticket prices range from $35 to $60 and are available at the TPAC box office 505 Deaderick Street (downtown). Order online by visiting tpac.org or by calling 615-782-4040. Group orders of 20 or more may be placed by calling 615-782-4060.
