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Duke Ellington Jazzes Up the Stage at Zach Theatre

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar

Sophisticated Ladies at Zach Theatre

See Sophisticated Ladies at Zach Theatre through August 23, 2015 (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

If you’ve daydreamed of stepping back into the roaring 20’s without the assistance of a time machine, head to Zach Theatre to see their production of Sophisticated Ladies.

Upon taking your seat, you’re greeted by a striking image of a gentleman’s face that consumes the stage. His head is tilted downward, warm expressive eyes gaze upward, with skin smooth as silk and a chin resting on a crisp white bow tie. The rim of his top hat casts a slight shadow, leaving an air of mystery. But there was no doubt who was watching over the crowd: jazz composer Duke Ellington, also known as The Duke for his signature dapper attire.

Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies offers a night of indulgence sprinkled with glitz and glamour. Scenes unfold on a stage that mimics Harlem’s notorious jazz venue where Mr. Ellington’s fame blossomed, the Cotton Club.

Sophisticated Ladies Zach Theatre

Inspired by The Duke during Sophisticated Ladies (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

The show plays out spectacularly. The evening is filled with a colorful assortment of costumes, dazzling atop frolicking feet that dance to a brass band delighting the audience with an assortment of the jazz legend’s compositions.

Mr. Ellington’s music offers a cocktail of mixed emotions. Melancholy lyrics flow with clarity and drip with sadness in “Solitude” and “Everything But You.” Upbeat tunes like “It Don’t Mean a Thing” are jaunty and playful. And when the pianist begins to tickle the keys of “I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good,” a sultry woman in a red form fitting dress slides with ease onto the baby grand piano and languidly sings, creating a steamy scene that rivals any summer day in Austin!

Sophisticated Ladies plays at Zach Theatre Wednesday-Sunday through August 23, 2015. Tickets are available now online.

 

@theAustinot wants to know: 

Is Sophisticated Ladies in your future?

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Judy Rae Merhar
Judy Rae Merhar
Judy Rae Merhar
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Filed Under: Entertainment, Theatre Tagged With: zach theatre

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