Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies

Highly Recommended ***** Sometimes we put productions into the wrong frame of mind and classify it as something other than a theatrical production, maybe more of a concert. Well, in spite of the current Porchlight Music Theatre’s “Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies” not having a true script, but more of a conceptual production, I must classify this show as a “theatrical production”. The concept by Donald McHayle is based on the music of Mr. Ellington and the era in which it was appreciated.

Roughly 39 musical numbers ranging from “The Mooch”, “Everything But You”, “It Don’t Mean A Thing”, “Don’t Get Around Much”, “I Got It Bad/Moon Indigo” and of course the title song, “Sophisticated Lady” giving us two hours ( with a ten minute intermission) of high stepping, great music and dancing that will get you up in your seats. No one fell asleep at this one!

Directed and choreographed by the extraordinary Brenda Didier along with Florence Walker-Harris, this is a spectacle for the eyes and the ears. The tap dance numbers are amazing and the vocals stupendous. I must tell you that despite the era being before most of you were born, this is a show that will educate as well as entertain you.

The set (Angela Weber Miller) creates a bandstand atmosphere where the musicians led by Jermain Hill are in your vision all night. They are an important part of the energy that Ellington’s music and this amazing cast generates.

The characters in the production are led by Lorenzo Rush Jr. He is a big man with an even bigger talent. He sings and plays the narrator of sorts making the most costume changes of all. The costumes  by Theresa Ham are very special and fitting. The other main soloists are Molly Kral, Lydia Burke and Chicago favorite Donica Lynn. While they are, for the most part soloists, they blend right in with the ensemble members made up of some of the best tap dancers I have ever witnessed on one stage: John Marshall Jr., Eustace J. Williams, Chuckie benson, Tristan Bruns, Kaimana Neil, Joey Stone and Darren Patin ( the men) and De’jah Jervai, Ariel Dorsey, Terri K. Woodall, Jenna Schoppe ,Shantel Cribbs and Madison Piner ( the Sophisticated Ladies). Their energy appeared to reach out to the audience and  spark us into wanting to dance as well.

Nor only was the audience truly into the evening, one could see that the cast was having as much fun as we were. They played with us, teasing us and getitng us to join in some of the great Ellington sounds of “jazz”. You may think that “jazz” is not your thing, but THIS “JAZZ” IS!!!!

This is a show that you should put on your calendar. but you only have until March 6th to do so ( unless they can extend it) with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3:30 and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m.

Matinees during the week:

Thursdays 2/6 and 2/13 at 1:30 p.m.

ADDED PERFORMANCES -Tuesday March 3rd Wednesday March 4th at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $39- $66 and are available at www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

The theater is the Ruth Paige Center For The Arts located at 1016 Dearborn Street with valet parking available. There are meters on the street as well.

To see what others are saying, visit http://w.theatreinchicago.com go to Review Round-Up and click at “Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated ladies”.