Sophisticated Ladies 1981 - Articles Page 3

Opened: March 1, 1981
Closing: January 02, 1983

Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 - Broadway History , Info & More

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (Broadway)
205 West 46th St. New York, NY

The musical legacy of Duke Ellington, considered amongst the world's greatest composers and musicians, is celebrated in this stylish and brassy retrospective that has taken audiences and critics alike by storm throughout the world. Memorable music and incredible dancing transport you into the Grand Duke's world. Sophisticated Ladies is a glorious recreation of the Duke Ellington big band sound, featuring his most famous numbers from the infamous speakeasy era of the Cotton Club, the Harlem Renaissance, art deco, and high society, including:



"It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Take the 'A' Train," "Satin Doll," and the haunting "In a Sentimental Mood." This is the eye-­?popping, foot-­?stomping, Tony Award-­?winning musical extravaganza that will send you into jazz heaven. It's an unforgettable celebration of the genius of Duke Ellington, brought to vibrant life with amazing talent, a sensational big band orchestra, sparkling staging, and all the lights and colors of Broadway!

Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 - Broadway Cast

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Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 - Broadway Articles Page 3

MIGHTY REAL Creators' AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN Begins Tonight Off-Broadway
by BWW News Desk - Jan 28, 2017


AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN, a world premiere musical the creators of the Broadway bound musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, has added an additional three-performance weekend to the previously announced performances due to popular demand.

MIGHTY REAL Creators' AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN Adds Weekend Off-Broadway
by BWW News Desk - Jan 17, 2017


AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN, a world premiere musical the creators of the Broadway bound musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, has added an additional three-performance weekend to the previously announced performances due to popular demand.

Photo Coverage: In Rehearsal for AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN, with Jacqueline B. Arnold & More!
by Walter McBride - Jan 10, 2017


AN EVENING WITH Phyllis Hyman, a world premiere musical the creators of the Broadway bound musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, has added an additional three-performance weekend to the previously announced performances due to popular demand. The previously announced performances on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 8pm, Sunday, January 29 at 2pm, and Sunday, January 29 at 7pm are now SOLD OUT, and additional performances will now take place on Saturday, February 4 at 8 pm, and Sunday February 5 at 2 & 7 PM. BroadwayWorld takes you inside rehearsals for the special event below!

Beloved Broadway Costume Designer Willa Kim Dies at 99
by Ashlee Latimer - Dec 24, 2016


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that the beloved Broadway costume designer Willa Kim has died at 99 after years of struggling with her health.

GREY'S ANATOMY's Kate Walsh and More to Lead IF I FORGET at Roundabout Theatre Company; Cast Complete!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 19, 2016


Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast of Roundabout Underground alumni playwright Steven Levenson's (The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin; Dear Evan Hansen) new play, If I Forget, directed by Daniel Sullivan.

AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN Adds Weekend at The Actor's Temple
by BWW News Desk - Dec 2, 2016


AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN, a world premiere musical the creators of the Broadway bound musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, has added an additional three-performance weekend to the previously announced performances due to popular demand.

Creators of MIGHTY REAL Return with AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN
by BWW News Desk - Nov 4, 2016


The creators of the Broadway bound hit musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical proudly return to New York City with the world premiere musical AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN. 

Photo Flash: Terri Klausner, Valarie Pettiford & Ty Stephens Bring A SOPHISTICATED REUNION to Birdland
by Tyler Peterson - May 25, 2016


The Broadway at Birdland concert series was thrilled to present 'A Sophisticated Reunion' on Monday, May 23. The one-night-only event starred Terri Klausner, Valarie Pettiford and Ty Stephens, who met in Sophisticated Ladies, a Broadway musical review based on the music of Duke Ellington, which opened in March of 1981.

Eliane Elias, A Sophisticated Reunion and More Coming Up This Month at Birdland
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2016


Birdland Jazz Club has announced its lineup for May 23-29, featuring Eliane Elias, A Sophisticated Reunion: Terri Klausner, Valerie Pettiford and Ty Stephens, Bill O'Connell and the Latin Jazz All-Stars, and more. 

BOSSABRASIL, Ann Hampton Callaway, Laura Osnes and More Set for Birdland This May
by BWW News Desk - Apr 15, 2016


Birdland Jazz Club has announced its May 2016 schedule, featuring: BOSSABRASIL, Ann Hampton Callaway, Iris Williams, Laura Osnes, Eliane Elias, Bill Charlap Trio, Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Birdland Big Band, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more. Scroll down for details!

BWW Review: These New DREAMGIRLS in La Mirada Will Make You Happy
by Michael L. Quintos - Apr 1, 2016


Now playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, the new McCoy/Rigby Entertainment production of the Tony Award-winning 1981 Broadway musical DREAMGIRLS is pretty much a faithful carbon-copy of the recent 2009 national touring production---which happens to also be directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom. La Mirada's offering---which continues through April 17---repurposes almost all of the visual and technical aspects of that tour, from the use of moving LED screens that set up different scenes and environments to William Ivey Long's lavishly exquisite costumes. It even taps that tour's original Effie played by the extraordinary Moya Angela, who has since matured wonderfully into the role. When your lead actress incites a boisterous standing ovation after slaying with an incredible performance of the musical's iconic 'And I Am Telling You (I'm Not Going)'---even as the show is still in the midst of that act one ending---you know you've got something great here.

BWW Feature: A Brief History of Musicals Performing at the Grammy Awards
by Allison Pichowicz - Feb 14, 2016


On February 15, 2016 HAMILTON will perform its opening number live at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Only eight musicals (nine, if you count RIVERDANCE) have had this honor since the first Grammy Award ceremony in 1959. HAMILTON will make history, yet again, as the first show to perform via satellite during the ceremony; while the ceremony is at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, the cast will be performing on their set at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

Victoria Clark and More Slated for Actors' Equity PASS IT ON Panel Next Week
by BWW News Desk - Oct 22, 2015


The Actors' Equity Association presents 'PASS IT ON: Thriving Artists Reflect on a Life in the Theatre', moderated by Ira Mont and featuring Victoria Clark, Mercedes Ellington, Dana Ivey and Jeff Williams, on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Actors' Equity Association - NYC (165 West 46th Street, 14th Floor Council Room).

Tickets to MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL at Orpheum Theatre Now on Sale
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 7, 2015


GFour Productions, winners of 54 Drama Desk and 44 Tony Awards, today announced the cast of leading ladies for the Memphis production of the international hit show Menopause The Musical, which will play the Orpheum Theatre for 3 performances, August 1-2, 2015. Tickets are available for purchase online at the official Orpheum Theatre website, www.orpheum-memphis.com, The Orpheum Box Office (901.525.3000), the ticket counter at The Booksellers at Laurelwood, and all Ticketmaster centers (901.743.ARTS).

VIDEO: T. Oliver Reid Performs 'Sophisticated Lady' & More from Cabaret Show
by Caryn Robbins - Mar 17, 2015


In this week's New York Time's In Performance video, singer T. Oliver Reid is featured, accompanied by Lawrence Yurman on piano.

Cast of SIDE SHOW, Maureen McGovern & More Set for 54 Below This Week
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 9, 2015


Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Broadway at the Cabaret - Top 5 Cabaret Picks for March 9-15, Featuring Maureen McGovern, David Henry Hwang, and More!
by Louisa Brady - Mar 9, 2015


Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestra's begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven- o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: The Cast of Side Show: Added Attractions; Maureen McGovern: Celebrating Women Singer/Songwriters at 54 Below; Columbia University Songbook featuring David Henry Hwang & More; A Sophisticated Ladies Reunion at 54 Below; and 54 Sings A Man of No Importance.

Casts of THE LAST SHIP and SIDE SHOW, Ben Vereen, Melissa Manchester & More Set for 54 Below Next Month
by BWW News Desk - Feb 26, 2015


This March, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street. Below, find the schedule for upcoming events over the next month.

'54 SINGS,' Cast of THE LAST SHIP & More Set for 54 Below This Week
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 13, 2015


In the coming weeks, 54 Below revisits some of our favorite Broadway productions with concert events celebrating beloved scores as well as reunions bringing together original company members.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Begins Tonight at Bucks County Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Jan 21, 2015


Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) welcomes GFour Productions, winners of 54 Drama Desk and 44 Tony Awards who have officially announced their cast of leading ladies for the production of the international hit show Menopause The Musical. Best described as a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of or have survived 'The Change', Menopause The Musical is sure to leave audiences inspired and laughing long after the show.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Sets Cast, will Run 1/21-2/1 at Bucks County Playhouse
by BWW News Desk - Jan 5, 2015


Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) welcomes GFour Productions, winners of 54 Drama Desk and 44 Tony Awards who have officially announced their cast of leading ladies for the production of the international hit show Menopause The Musical. Best described as a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of or have survived 'The Change', Menopause The Musical is sure to leave audiences inspired and laughing long after the show.

Kate Baldwin, Jason Danieley, Heidi Blickenstaff & More Set for 92Y's LYRICS & LYRICISTS 2015
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 28, 2014


2Y announces casting for Lyrics & Lyricists 2015, the 45th season of the acclaimed American Songbook series. Cady Huffman, Liz Callaway, Kate Baldwin, Peter Cincotti and Jason Danieley are among the performers interpreting the works of Stephen Sondheim; Irving Berlin; Sheldon Harnick; and such songwriters as Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Leonard Bernstein, who so eloquently illuminated New York City's essence in song. Mitzi Gaynor makes a special guest appearance for the show on Hollywood's Leading Ladies - only the fourth time the legendary entertainer has performed in New York City.

STAGE TUBE: A Touching Tribute to Broadway Casting Director Barry Moss
by Stage Tube - Sep 29, 2014


Broadway, film and television casting director Barry Moss passed away in Manhattan on June 17, 2014. He was 74. A video tribute, created by Denise Pence and 'Broadway: The Golden Age' film trilogy filmmaker Rick McKay, honored the legendary casting director at a Memorial Tribute held in Moss's honor in New York City today, September 29th. The 12-minute video tribute includes an interview with 50-year friend John Rubinstein, who is on the road in the new PIPPIN and could not attend, and some rare footage of Lucie Arnaz performing 'They're Playing Our Song,' both shot by McKay. Watch below!

Photo Flash: Terri Klausner, Valarie Pettiford and Ty Stephens in A SOPHISTICATED REUNION at Birdland
by BWW News Desk - Jul 11, 2014


On Monday, July 7, the Broadway at Birdland concert series was delighted to present 'A Sophisticated Reunion,' starring Terri Klausner, Valarie Pettiford and Ty Stephens. Scroll down for photos from the concert!

Late Night Broadway - Top 5 Cabaret Picks for July 7-13, 2014
by BWW Special Coverage - Jul 6, 2014


Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestra's begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven- o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week, including: #Klendez, A Sophisticated Reunion, Battle of the Broadway Sexes, Broadway Ballyhoo! and 54 Sings Songs from Hello, Dolly!

Sophisticated Ladies FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Sophisticated Ladies have there been?
Sophisticated Ladies has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1981, Broadway which opened in 1981 and US Tour which opened in 1982.
What Tony Awards has Sophisticated Ladies been nominated for?
Best Musical , , Best Choreography for Henry le Tan, Best Choreography for Donald McKayle, Best Choreography for Michael Smuin, Best Costume Design for Willa KimBest Direction of a Musical for Michael Smuin and Best Lighting Design for Jennifer Tipton.
What Tony Awards has Sophisticated Ladies won?
Best Choreography for Henry le Tan, Best Choreography for Donald McKayle, Best Choreography for Michael Smuin, Best Costume Design for Willa Kim, Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Smuin, Best Lighting Design for Jennifer Tipton, .

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