ORANGE COUNTY PREMIERE OF ELLA ARRIVES AT
THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE FEBRUARY 17 – MARCH 22, 2009.
Musical Biography of the First Lady of Song stars Tina Fabrique as Ella Fitzgerald and features a Live Jazz Combo and 20 Hit Songs
LAGUNA BEACH, CA – January 19, 2009 – It’s a life lived out loud in the Orange County Premiere of Ella, an exhilarating new musical about the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald, that runs February 17 – March 22 at The Laguna Playhouse. The play was conceived by Rob Ruggiero and Dyke Garrison. Book is by Jeffrey Hatcher, with musical direction and arrangements by Danny Holgate. Ella is directed by Rob Ruggiero.
Starring Tina Fabrique as Ella, this theatrical event weaves myth, memory and music as it tells the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz and pop vocalists of the 20th century.
It’s 1966 and the fabled songstress is preparing for one of the most important concerts of her career. As she jams with the musicians and gets ready to meet the audience, Ella reflects on her life, her secrets and the love of music that made her soar. Featuring more than 20 of her most famous hits, including “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “How High the Moon,” “That Old Black Magic,” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” this swinging new musical invites audiences to fall in love all over again with the magic and soul of Ella Fitzgerald.
“Ella is a dream come true for me,” said director Rob Ruggiero, who conceived the show along with Dyke Garrison. “I have always been a fan of jazz, and her amazing body of work seemed to cry out for a theatre piece celebrating the life of Ella Fitzgerald. Our journey has afforded me the greatest privilege taking a closer look at this brilliant musician, and really getting to know her past, her struggles, her dreams, her desires, her connection with her music, and her audience – her real story, so to speak.”
[To view available photos of Ella: http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com/press/photos/]
Performance & Ticket Information:
Ticket Prices: $30 to $70
Previews:
February 17 – 20
Opening Night Gala:
Saturday, February 21, 2009: 7:30 p.m
(By invitation only and press night)
Regular Performances
February 22 – March 22, 2009
Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m
Thursday matinees February 19 & March 5 at 2:00 p.m
Sunday evening March 15 at 7:00 p.m
Special Student Ticket Pricing:
$15-$20 All Performances except Friday/Saturday evenings
Special Half Price Tickets for Teachers and Military with ID:
All Performances except Friday/Saturday evenings
.. ..
FOR INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
CALL: 949.497.ARTS (2787)
GROUP SALES: 949.497.2787 ext. 229
VISIT: www.LagunaPlayhouse.com
MOULTON THEATRE: 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California
Parking Information
Laguna Beach is a popular destination year round. On weekends, holidays and during the summer months we strongly encourage theatre patrons who are driving to the theatre to arrive early to allow time for parking. There is a private parking lot located behind The Laguna Playhouse. A modest fee applies. There is additional parking across the street in a municipal parking lot, as well as metered street parking.