Ella Fitzgerald News

Trinity Rep announced today that Jeffrey Osborne will be honored with the 2014 New England Pell Award for Artistic Excellence, acknowledging his artistic achievements and philanthropic work throughout Rhode Island.

LOUIS-AND-ELLA!, a new jazzical by Trent Armand Kendall reunites The Architect of Jazz and The First Lady of Song for one magical night and will receive a developmental table reading today, April 24th in a donated studio from The Actors Fund.

The 2013-2014 season at Cleveland Play House (CPH) continues with the compelling world premiere production of Deborah Zoe Laufer's Informed Consent. Co-produced with Geva Theatre Center, this incredibly thought-provoking production is inspired by the real life court case between the Havasupai Indian tribe and Arizona State University, and sparks an intriguing debate on both ethicality and morality. Directed by Sean Daniels and Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth, Informed Consent will serve as the centerpiece to CPH's 2014 New Ground Theatre Festival and will run from today, April 23 - May 18 in the Second Stage.

LOUIS-AND-ELLA!, a new jazzical by Trent Armand Kendall reunites The Architect of Jazz and The First Lady of Song for one magical night and will receive a developmental table reading Thursday, April 24th in a donated studio from The Actors Fund.

The Country Music Association announced today that Hank Cochran, Ronnie Milsap, and Mac Wiseman will become the newest members of the revered Country Music Hall of Fame.

Virginia's Tony-Award winning Signature Theatre announces the cast for The Threepenny Opera, Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's cutting and enduring critique of capitalism and corruption. Directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Tender Napalm, Dreamgirls, Really Really), the production stars Mitchell Jarvis (Broadway's Rock of Ages) as the charismatic Macheath, known to popular culture as Mack the Knife.

Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal has announced that Leslie Uggams, the Tony and Emmy Award winning actress will be starring as Rose in Connecticut Repertory Theatre's (CRT) production of GYPSY: A Musical Fable onstage July 10-20. GYPSY, is the third show in the 2014 Summer Nutmeg Series, which includes A CHORUS LINE (June 5-14) and THE SUNSHINE BOYS (June 19-29) starring Jerry Adler and Richard Kline.

On Tuesday, April 22nd @ 7pm Stage72/The Triad Theatre, 158 West 72nd Street, hosts On Kentucky Avenue: The Club Harlem Revue - an homage to Atlantic City's now defunct historical "Club Harlem," a performance venue, which hosted all "the greats" such as Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. On Kentucky Avenue stars Broadway and recording artist Ty Stephens (Sophisticated Ladies), Cheryl Freeman (The Who's Tommy), recording artist Andricka Hall and features the shows creator, Jeree Wade as 'Damita Jo' and Lee Summers (Original Dreamgirls) as comedian 'Slappy Black.'

Called "legendary" and a "San Francisco institution," Feinstein's at the Nikko welcomes jazz and blues vocalist, Kim Nalley, for one performance only - Saturday, May 10 (7 p.m.).

Stunning new voices. The type that make you stop, that force you to listen, then listen again. They can come from anywhere and everywhere. Young or old, that natural quality is a rare and wonderful thing. And sometimes they've just been hiding in plain sight, like Hannah Gill, whose debut EP launches a remarkable, mature talent. (released on Greene Street Music, March 4th, 2014)

Penguin Rep Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Joe Brancato and Executive Director Andrew M. Horn, announces the slate of plays and special events for its 37th season.

From June 4 to June 8, two iconic New York City institutions join to celebrate an ever evolving medium that was born more than 100 years ago-radio.

The beloved Bay Area cabaret singer Wesla Whitfield, joined by her husband, pianist and arranger Mike Greensill and John Wiitala on bass, will debut their new show, Who Cares (What Banks Fail in Yonkers!), at Feinstein's at the Nikko for two-performances only - Thursday, May 8 (8 p.m.) and Friday, May 9 (8 p.m.). The challenges of the world can make it tough to keep a smile in place. Let Wesla and Mike's new show take you on a delightful journey through the Great American Songbook that will re-unite you with your hopes and dreams. Tickets for Wesla Whitfield range in price from $30 - $45 and are on-sale now and available by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

Celebrating the arrival of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Angela King Gallery will present "The Jazz Fest Show" an exhibit by award-winning New Orleans photographer Steven Forster. Forster will show 15 archival black and white photos from his vault, including iconic images of:

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA) proudly welcomes Molly Ringwald tonight, April 10th at 8:00 pm. Best known for her roles in the iconic movies Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, Molly has now become one of jazz's great voices. Making her only Canadian stop, join Molly as she takes the main stage with a full repertoire of jazz standards.

On Monday, April 28 at 8:00 PM, Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage and Sher Krieger Events are presenting Phil Johnson in 'Juke Joint: A Night of Jazz and R&B'.

Nick Ziobro, the 17 year-old pop/jazz vocal sensation, will release his debut album A Lot of Livin' to Do on Tuesday, May 20. The new disc, produced by Michael Feinstein - the two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated vocalist, pianist and musicologist - and available through Titanium Entertainment, will be available in stores and digital outlets such as iTunes and Amazon.com. The album's debut single 'This Guy's In Love with You' is now available on iTunes.

The 2013-2014 season at Cleveland Play House (CPH) continues with the compelling world premiere production of Deborah Zoe Laufer's Informed Consent. Co-produced with Geva Theatre Center, this incredibly thought-provoking production is inspired by the real life court case between the Havasupai Indian tribe and Arizona State University, and sparks an intriguing debate on both ethicality and morality. Directed by Sean Daniels and Sponsored by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth, Informed Consent will serve as the centerpiece to CPH's 2014 New Ground Theatre Festival and will run from April 23 - May 18 in the Second Stage.

As the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, led by Executive Director Brett Batterson, celebrates its milestone 125th Anniversary, more exciting announcements are made for the 2014 - 15 Season beginning September 2014. Adding to the breadth of diverse International Dance, contemporary Brazilian dance company, Grupo Corpo makes their Chicago debut on the Auditorium's landmark stage. In addition to dance from around the world, the Auditorium will also celebrate the abundance of talent that Chicago offers with the 'Made in Chicago' Dance Series, now featuring eight diverse companies with the addition of 'Chicago Rhythm Fest.' More music will fill the theatre as well with the addition of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's 'CJP @ Ten' and Ron Hawking's 'His Way,' a celebration of Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday to the 'Made in Chicago' Music Series.

The Cabaret celebrates jazz history with the son of the legendary entertainer Mel Tormé on May 15 & 16 at 8:00pm. James Tormé brings classic jazz to a new generation, infusing older classics with contemporary influences, and haunting newer songs with his timeless throwback renditions.