DUKE ELLINGTON’S “SOPHISTICATED LADIES” OPENS IN VALLEJO

Vallejo Music Theatre presents Duke Ellington’s musical review “Sophisticated Ladies” in February, 2007 at the Fetterly Playhouse for the Arts, 3467 Sonoma Blvd., Suite 10, Vallejo (back of the Vallejo Plaza Shopping Center, corner of Redwood and Sonoma). Performance dates include the opening weekend special February 9 & 10 with curtain at 8:00 PM at $13 for all seats.

The annual fund raising gala at $50 per person will be held February 11 starting at 2:00 PM, with wine tasting and silent auction. Dinner prepared by City Lights and live auction will begin at 3:00 PM and the show “Sophisticated Ladies” begins at 4:30 PM. Jeff Hodson, with Classic Auctions from San Juan Capistrano will again pound the gavel for the live auction. Businesses reserving a table for 8 will receive a free listing in the show program and the company will put out their flyers for the run of the show. Tables are limited and must be reserved by February 2 to receive the free listing. Honorary Chairs for the gala are Goodie and Jeanette McCree-Goudeau, well-known local artists recognized internationally for their style and talent.

Other evening performances with curtain at 8:00 PM include February 16, 17, 23, 24, March 2 and 3, 2007. Two matinees are set for February 18 and 25, 2007 at 2:00 PM. Evening performance ticket prices are $20 general, $18 seniors & military and $15 for students. Matinees ticket prices are $15 all seats.

“Sophisticated Ladies” will be directed and choreographed by Alyson Blume of Menlo Park. Blume is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a BFA in Drama, Directing and Choreography. Musical Direction is by William Tennant of Vallejo. Tennant teaches piano and is Music Director for Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville. The small very talented cast includes Adrian Balbontin from Berkeley, Steven deAlba from San Pablo, Patricia Pitpitan from Martinez, Dean Ahlberg, Vallejo, Chauncey Roberts from Oakland, Julio Lopez, Vallejo, Whitney Mitchell, Vallejo, Yvonne Dawes from Oakland and Laura “Lolly” Allen from Burlingame.

Music for “Sophisticated Ladies” is by Duke Ellington; concept by Donald McKayle. Envisioned as a musical portrait of Duke Ellington, “Sophisticated Ladies” opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City on March 1, 1981 and ran for 767 performances. Act I takes us through the early stages of Duke Ellington’s growth as a major musical force, from the Cotton Club era through his travels here and abroad. Act II takes us on a more personal journey, exploring the private man as captured in his music. Gregory Hines, Judith Jamison, Hinton Battle and Gregg Burge were among the original cast that was directed by Michael Smuin.

For information and reservations call 707.649.2787 or email showladydirector@netzero.com. Tickets are available at VMT’s office, 823 Marin Street, Vallejo Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or may be obtained through the mail by sending an order to VMT, P. O. Box