Vintage Theatre production pulls out the stops for a powerful evening of song and dance
The Vintage production of Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies offers a crash course in the late musician’s influence on a musical style known simply as jazz. Indeed, the music is the evening’s star performer. The audience is greeted onstage by three of the eight gifted musicians, including conductor Jodel Charles on piano, guiding us through the performance with musical finesse, never missing the opportunity to shine. Unfortunately, the other five musicians are tucked away behind the scenes and not visible to the audience. Besides Charles, bass player Domi Edison and Tim Sanchez on drums are onstage. It was great fun to watch those three and it would have been equally delightful to see all eight
Without a structured storyline, the evening’s revue-style format offers a great opportunity for talented singers and dancers to interpret the musical genius of Ellington. The entire cast contributes to breathing life into Sophisticated Ladies.
As always, it is a delicious treat to have Mary Louise Lee grace a local stage. Known simply as The Chanteuse, her interpretation of this musical genre is unmatched and is at times almost otherworldly. Her velvety voice wraps itself around the lyrics and the free-form jazz style with complete abandon. Highlights of her performance include “Take the A Train” and “In a Sentimental Mood.” She also contributes to other numbers and casts a glow upon the stage whenever present.
But Lee is not alone. Cha’Rel Wright (The Soubrette) and Heidi Carann Snider (The Danseuse) round out the ladies of Sophisticated Ladies. Both have a strong stage presence and voices to match. Snider is particularly captivating at the beginning of the evening with her rendition of “Hit Me With a Hot Note and Watch Me Bounce.” Wright is featured late in the second act with a particularly heartfelt “Prelude to a Kiss” leaving the audience wanting more. As a particular treat, all three ladies perform “Solitude,” with the show being elevated by all three performers enriching Ellington’s music with their unique styles.
Mykai Eastman atop the piano in ‘Sophisticated Ladies’ | Photo: RDG Photography
Of the men, Jale Gregory (The Raconteur) fairs the best. Gregory has an appealing stage presence and his musical contributions include a rousing interpretation of “Sophisticated Lady” and “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”
Rouding out the singers are Isaac Rosen (The Hipster) and David E. Sweet (The Jazzbo). Rosen delivers “Something to Live For” and Sweet contributes to “Take the A Train” along with Lee featuring a thrilling trombone solo by Stafford Hunter.
One of the true jewels of the evening are The Sophisticated “Rug Cutters.” Perhaps better known as the chorus (in the best sense of the word), these women and men offer top-notch dancing throughout the evening. They are skilled dancers that routinely provide emotion-packed numbers with expressive choreography. Each song they are featured in is incredibly physical without being overwhelming as the stage has been adapted to provide plenty of room for them to let loose. Together they are all featured in “The Duke’s Ballet,” captivating the audience with precision and fluidity and a stand-alone storyline. Of special note are Dallas Slankard (dance captain) and Lauren Slaughter. But all pull their weight and make for a tremendously talented group.
How lucky we are to have director Christopher Page-Sanders at the helm of this classy production. Coming to Vintage, he has a nearly bottomless biography that combines both theatre and dance. Page-Sanders has assembled an ultra-talented cast and utilizes them to the utmost. The rich melding of the voices, his impressive choreography, and the overall spectacle provide for an intense and enjoyable evening in the theater. He has just the right touch to spark a fire under Ellington’s music and create an explosive two hours in the theatre.
Another shout-out must go to Alicia “Lisa” Young, responsible for the costuming. Everyone is dressed impeccably. For much of the performance, The Sophisticated Rug Cutters are clothed in bright pastels, adding a distinct flair to their appearance, however, they change to a more classic wardrobe in the second act establishing them as true sophisticates. Also impressive are Ms. Lee’s costumes filled with detail and effervescence. There are many surprising touches that catch one’s eye throughout.
On all levels, this is an impressive tribute to Duke Ellington filled with great music and dancing. It is another top-notch production from Vintage Theatre.
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