The Sophisticated Ladies and gentlemen that sing and dance their way through Phoenix Theatre's production of the Duke Ellington tribute are a talented bunch. Director/Choreographer Michael Barnard has put his stamp on this 1981 musical revue. Where the original treated the audience to a recreation of a stage show at the Cotton Club, Mr. Barnard has switched the order of the numbers, creating a pleasant mini-plot of a couple going on the town in Harlem, visiting each of four famed clubs from the Jazz era. This through-line, featuring the stage presence and immense talents of popular local jazz crooner Dennis C. Rowland and golden-throated Katherine S. Todd, helps to string together the 31 smooth Ellington standards.

The evening has a beautiful voice and on-target choreography, although on opening night the dancers looked a tad clumsy. Such numbers as "Cottontail" found the ensemble just a bit out-of-synch. That did nothing, though, to interrupt the enjoyment. Utilizing some jazz dance, some ballroom, and the occasional stand-and-deliver style of ballads, Mr. Barnard has given the show all the different types of stage pictures necessary to keep the audience engaged. The movement runs from bluesy to sultry, and I've never envied a pianist as much as Musical Director Ron Colvard when he finds himself in the middle of some hot choreography as the slinkily seductive Lauren Hildebrandt performs "Hit Me with a Hot Note" around him.

Comic relief comes in the form of Robbie Harper, who once again threatens to take over the show with his hilarious shenanigans, especially during "Kinda Dukish," and Philippe Hall, who flirts with the audience during "Everything But You." The remainder of the ensemble, Milan Dillard, Reggie Kelly, Sharon Muthu, Larry Ray and Christyn M. Schroeder, are excellent, taking their turns to interpret the Duke's greatest hits.

Mr. Colvard's onstage orchestra has a lush sound, doing a great job of playing the Duke's music. Gregory Jaye's basic set design recreating the skyscrapers of Gotham serves the movement well. Nykol DeDreu's primary colored lighting design adds to the mood. While David Temby's sound design is successful, the true design highlight of the evening is Timothy Slope's extensive costume design, which is a visual feast.

Perhaps it helps that I adore Duke Ellington's music, and that Mr. Barnard's finagling of the script has given a distinct and easily followed through line to the work, but I found myself enjoying yet another musical revue this season. Once the ensemble settles in to Mr. Barnard's extensive choreography, this should prove a generally flawless production.

Production Details:
Sophisticated Ladies Concept by Donald McKayle, Based on the music of Duke Ellington
Phoenix Theatre (For a map to location, click this link)
(602) 254-2151
May 17th - June 9th, 2002

You are visitor number to this site since 4/14/99.