Sophisticated Ladies 1981 - Articles Page 4

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 4

Loston Harris Quartet, Jane Monheit and More Come to Birdland, 7/7-13
by BWW News Desk - Jun 27, 2014


Birdland Jazz Club has announced their amazing line-up of talent for July 7 - July 13, including the Loston Harris Quartet with Special Guest Monica Behan, Jane Monheit, Arturo O'Farrill, David DeJesus, and more!

Broadway Casting Director Barry Moss Passes Away
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 18, 2014


BroadwayWorld has learned that the great Broadway, film and television casting director Barry Moss has passed away.

92Y's Lyrics & Lyricists 2015 Season to Feature 'FIDDLER,' Sondheim & Prince Celebrations and More
by Tyler Peterson - May 30, 2014


92Y announces the line-up for Lyrics & Lyricists 2015, the 45th season of the country's preeminent American Songbook series. Returning artistic directors include David Loud on the legendary Stephen Sondheim/Harold Prince collaboration, Deborah Grace Winer on New York City in song, and the team of Sheldon Harnick (host) and Rob Fisher on Fiddler on the Roof's 50th anniversary. Playwright/actor Charles Busch makes his debut as an L&L artistic director with a show spotlighting the legendary women of Hollywood musicals; a fifth concert will be announced at a later date.

Kennedy Center Announces Lineup for WORLD STAGES: International Theater Festival 2014
by BWW News Desk - Feb 19, 2014


The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will host 22 theatrical offerings from 20 different countries during WORLD STAGES: International Theater Festival 2014 that will run for three weeks March 10-30, 2014 throughout the Center. The international festival features contemporary theater works offering 13 fully staged productions, 4 theater-focused installations, 3 readings of new works, and 2 forums. From Olivier and Tony Award-winning puppetry to innovative perspectives on old classics, a diverse showcase of theatrical expression will be represented by countries spanning the globe including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, England, France, Iceland, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Pakistan, Palestine, Scotland, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, and the United States.

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for February 19th, 2014
by Paul W. Thompson - Feb 19, 2014


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'The Last Ship' sails, 'Chicago' and 'The Heartbeat Of Home' stop by, 'Chicago's Golden Soul,' and 'Ain't Misbehavin' pack 'em in, catch 'Dessa Rose,' 'Love Story' and 'A New Brain,' and the Waa-Mu Show announces 2014, plus more!

Cheyenne Jackson, LANCE HORNE & FRIENDS with Alan Cumming & More Set for Birdland in March
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 14, 2014


Birdland Jazz Club's March 2014 schedule will feature Quest: with Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, Ron McClure & Billy Hart, Billy Hart Quartet, Kevin Mahogany, Cheyenne Jackson; Now This: with Gary Peacock, Marc Copland & Joey Baron, Bill Charlap Trio, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Billy Stritch; and more! Check out full details below!

Leslie Uggams to Perform at Amas Musical Theatre's 45th Anniversary Benefit Gala, 3/31
by BWW News Desk - Jan 23, 2014


Amas Musical Theatre, New York City's award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since 1968, will celebrate its 45th Anniversary at a gala benefit on Monday, March 31st, 2014 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center (East 25th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenues). Honorary Chair for the event is veteran Broadway virtuoso Maurice Hines.

CABARET LIFE NYC: Conklin and Dotson Shows Highlight Six Reviews From a Cabaret Fall
by Stephen Hanks - Dec 20, 2013


Our intrepid cabaret columnist/reviewer Stephen Hanks catches up on some reviews of fall 2013 shows, including Mary Foster Conklin's BroadwayWorld.com Award nominated tribute to Fran Landesman, solo shows from Bernard Dotson, Gary Crawford, and Lauren Glazer, and a duo show from Alison Nusbaum and Jackie Kristel.

Summer Stages: Summerstock Across New Hampshire
by Daniel Adams - Jun 14, 2013


New Hampshire and summerstock are pretty much interchangeable. Across the Granite State, theatergoers will find incredible options for live entertainment. One night they could be in an old barn, where the floors creek and an occasional bat will make its presence known. Then the next night, you're in a brand new, modern facility with air conditioning, comfy seats and a bar.

TRAV'LIN - THE NEW 1930S HARLEM MUSICAL Premieres at Jubilee Theatre, Now thru 4/28
by BWW News Desk - Mar 29, 2013


Trav'lin - The New 1930s Harlem Musical, will receive its Regional Premiere production at Fort Worth's Jubilee Theatre in Spring 2013. The musical, which received a developmental production in 2010 as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), runs tonight, March 29, 2013 through April 28, 2013.

TRAV'LIN - THE NEW 1930S HARLEM MUSICAL Premieres at Jubilee Theatre, 3/29-4/28
by BWW News Desk - Oct 10, 2012


Trav'lin - The New 1930s Harlem Musical, will receive its Regional Premiere production at Fort Worth's Jubilee Theatre in Spring 2013. The musical, which received a developmental production in 2010 as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), runs March 29, 2013 through April 28, 2013.

BWW Reviews: Marc Robin’s DREAMGIRLS Keeps It Moving at the Marriott
by Paul W. Thompson - Aug 31, 2012


It's quite an achievement for any theater company to mount a credible "Dreamgirls," frankly, with its casting challenges, costume budget and high energy performance level. But Robin's Marriott "Dreamgirls" succeeds on many levels. It never stops moving, and it frequently moves the audience as well....

Photo Blast From The Past: Phyllis Hyman
by Walter McBride - Mar 6, 2012


Welcome to BroadwayWorld.com's newest photo series 'Photo Blast From the Past'. Featuring some of the collected theatre gem's of BroadwayWorld's own senior photographer Walter McBride, the series will feature images from his archives of theatre and Hollywood related gems. Check out Phyllis Hyman (Sophisticated Ladies, 1981) - once upon a time!

Review - Merrily We Roll Along: Back To Before
by Ben Peltz - Feb 13, 2012


The original Broadway cast album of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Merrily We Roll Along is one of those handful of recordings - like Mack and Mabel and Candide - that a musical theatre lover can listen to hundreds of times without hearing a clue as to why the show flopped.  The quick answer, and usually the most unfair one, is 'the book.'  More often, though, the more complete answer is ambition.

Photo Coverage EXCLUSIVE: Town Hall Honors Judith Jamison & Joyce F. Brown with 'Friend of the Arts' Awards
by Walter McBride - Oct 18, 2011


The Town Hall, New York City's landmark theatre and concert venue (123 West 43rd Street), honored two influential women: Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of the Fashion Institute of Technology. They received The Town Hall's ‘Friend of the Arts' Award on Sunday, October 16th, 2011. The award is presented annually to individuals in recognition and appreciation for their abiding interest in the development, enrichment and support of the arts.

Judith Jamison, Dr. Joyce F. Brown To Receive Friend of the Arts Award 10/16
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2011


The Town Hall, New York City's landmark theatre and concert venue (123 West 43rd Street), is pleased to honor two influential women: Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Judith Jamison, Dr. Joyce F. Brown To Receive Friend of the Arts Award 10/16
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 12, 2011


The Town Hall, New York City's landmark theatre and concert venue (123 West 43rd Street), is pleased to honor two influential women: Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Photo Flash: Pettiford, Klauser, et al. at SOPHISTICATED LADIES Reunion at Birdland
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 26, 2011


On Monday, April 25, Jim Caruso and the Broadway at Birdland concert series were thrilled to present the 30 Year Reunion Celebration of the Broadway Opening of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, with the Duke Ellington Big Band and original cast members. Onstage for the historic performance were Adrian Bailay, P.J. Benjamin, Mercedes Ellington, Ken Hanson, Bruce Heath, Terri Klausner, Frank Owens, Valarie Pettiford and Ty Stephens.

Broadway at Birdland Celebrates Duke Ellington’s SOPHISTICATED LADIES 4/25
by BWW News Desk - Apr 25, 2011


Jim Caruso is proud to announce the 30 Year Reunion Celebration of the Broadway Opening of Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADIES, featuring original cast members and the Duke Ellington Big Band.

Broadway at Birdland Celebrates Duke Ellington’s SOPHISTICATED LADIES 4/25
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 22, 2011


Jim Caruso is proud to announce the 30 Year Reunion Celebration of the Broadway Opening of Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADIES, featuring original cast members and the Duke Ellington Big Band.

Shields, Lansbury, Jackson et al. Celebrate 28th Birthday of NY Pops at Carnegie Hall, 5/2
by Jessica Lewis - Mar 16, 2011


On Monday, May 2, 2011 The New York Pops' marks its 28th birthday with Celebrate Hope, a grand gala evening celebrating the legacy of late actor and comedian Bob Hope and honoring decades of support by Interpublic Group. The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert at Carnegie Hall featuring a special lineup of concert artists - including Brooke Shields, Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Ebersole, Kelli O'Hara, Maurice Hines, Cartier Williams and special guest Angela Lansbury - under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. The New York Pops will also be joined on stage by the singers of The Camp Broadway Kids and the West Point Glee Club. Following the concert, a black tie dinner and dance will be held at the luxurious Plaza Hotel.

SOUND OFF 2010 ROUND-UP: 3 Divas, 2 Dynamos & Steve
by Robert Diamond - Dec 31, 2010


Today we are taking a look and a listen to the biggest and brightest Broadway beacons of the year that was, all amidst the dismal landscape of the Street as we now know it, though I won't name names or titles (hyphenated or otherwise). Between the ultimate diva triptych of Barbra, Liza and Cher each releasing not only new albums in 2010, but also DVDs of their work - and, in Cher's case, a smash-hit big-screen original movie musical, BURLESQUE, to the stars-on-the-rise of two leading men of far off shores - Stuart Matthew Price and David Campbell. In a year with far too few new cast albums, these solo albums certainly shine with lots of luster. On Broadway it might have been the year of epic disaster, but on record we may be able to find the Broadway we knew and loved once in any number of these highly-recommended releases. Oh, yeah - and Sondheim, too!

Cabrillo Theatre Salutes Military During 2010 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 12/22
by BWW News Desk - Dec 22, 2010


Cabrillo Music Theatre proudly announces its fourth consecutive year of providing holiday entertainment to military service families. A star-studded gathering of Cabrillo stars past and present will join stars Shirley Jones and Patrick Cassidy in The CABRILLO 2010 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, directed by Cheryl Baxter at the 1,800-seat Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Cabrillo Music Theatre Salutes Military During The CABRILLO 2010 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 12/22
by BWW News Desk - Dec 22, 2010


Cabrillo Music Theatre proudly announces its fourth consecutive year of providing holiday entertainment to military service families. A star-studded gathering of Cabrillo stars past and present will join stars Shirley Jones and Patrick Cassidy in The CABRILLO 2010 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, directed by Cheryl Baxter at the 1,800-seat Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

Cabrillo Music Theatre Salutes Military During The CABRILLO 2010 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 12/22
by BWW News Desk - Dec 21, 2010


Cabrillo Music Theatre proudly announces its fourth consecutive year of providing holiday entertainment to military service families. A star-studded gathering of Cabrillo stars past and present will join stars Shirley Jones and Patrick Cassidy in The CABRILLO 2010 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, directed by Cheryl Baxter at the 1,800-seat Fred Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.

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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