Atlanta Lyric Theatre Stages SOPHISTICATED LADIES, Now thru 1/19

Atlanta Lyric Theatre will present the Tony Award-­winning musical extravaganza Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, running today, January 3 - 19, 2014 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (548 S. Marietta Pkwy, Marietta).

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!

The incredible ensemble of performers features an all-­?Atlanta cast and stars Chauncey Jenkins (Broadway's "The Color Purple"), Jevares C. Myrick (The Lyric's "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Smokey Joe's Café"), Jewel Lucien (14th Street Playhouse's "Menopause the Musical"), Kayce Grogan-­?Wallace (The Lyric's "Beehive" and "Ragtime"), Laura Wright ("The D* Word: The Musical" National Tour), Krystle Simmons (The Lyric's "Legally Blonde" and "Hairspray"), and J. Koby Parker (The Lyric's "The Producers" and "Guys and Dolls").

Others in the cast include Reverie Berger, George Deavours, Fenner Eaddy, Tre McClendon, Carrie Strothers, Priscilla Curtis, Becca Potter, Bonnie Harris, Michael Persson, Aaron Carter, and Zack Everhart.

Sophisticated Ladies is directed by Lyric Artistic Director Brandt Blocker and choreographed by Karen Hebert, the same team that has brought such hits to The Lyric Stage as "42nd Street," "Thoroughly Modern Mille," "Legally Blonde," "Anything Goes," "The Producers," and "Guys and Dolls." Bobby Johnston is the production designer, Andre Allen is the lighting designer, and Lindsey G. Paris is the costume designer.

The production features the big band sound of the Atlanta Lyric Orchestra conducted by Brandt Blocker.

Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies plays today, January 3 - 19, 2014 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center. Tickets and group discounts are available by calling the box office at 404.377.9948. Visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com for reservations and information.

SOPHISTICATED LADIES (JENNIE T. ANDERSON THEATRE)

Jan. 3, 4, 5 Fri and Sat at 8PM; Sun at 2PM

9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 8PM; Sun at 2PM

16, 17, 18, & 19, 2014 Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 8PM; Sat & Sun at 2PM

Atlanta Lyric Theatre's 34th season of musicals includes THE PRODUCERS, GUYS AND DOLLS, Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADIES, ANNIE, and Monty Python's SPAMALOT. For show dates, times, and tickets visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.