Ella Fitzgerald musical to open March 21 at the Repertory Theatre

For the final mainstage show of its 2007-08 season, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis will present Ella, a musical play about jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald (pictured). The show will have preview performances on Wednesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 20 before the official opening on Friday, March 21, and will run through April 13 at the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves.

The play Ella is described as "A theatrical event that weaves myth, memory and music! On a stage on the French Riviera, America’s “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald rehearses for a 1966 concert. When her producer asks her to add more “patter” to the act, she begins to reminisce, taking the audience inside the heart and soul of one of the world’s greatest jazz singers. Featuring 24 of her timeless hits, including “That Old Black Magic”, “How High the Moon” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”."

The play was conceived by Rob Ruggiero and Dyke Garrison, with a book by Jeffrey Hatcher. Ruggiero is directing the St. Louis production, which stars Tina Fabrique (Ella Fitzgerald), George Caldwell (Jimmy/Piano, Conductor), Thad Wilson (Donny/Trumpet), Rodney Harper ("Sticks" Fletcher/Drums), Clifton Kellem (Sam/Bass), Harold Dixon (Norman Granz) and Joilet Harris (Ella Fitzgerald understudy).

Tickets are $19.50 - $45.00 and can be purchased from the Rep's box office. A free, half-hour post-performance discussion with the cast and staff will follow the matinee performances on March 26 and April 2, and the evening performances on March 27 and April 3. A "Talk Theatre" program, with members of the artistic and production staff, will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24.