Satchmo at the Waldorf at TRIANGLE PRODUCTIONS

By Terry Teachout
OREGON PREMIERE

March 1971.
Backstage at the Empire Room of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Louis Armstrong, (portrayed by Salim Sanchez) the greatest trumpet player in the world, sits in his dressing room trying to pull himself together following his celebrated performance.
Because as long as they clap, Louis will go out there and play. His mind wanders through the amazing journey of his life and his complex relationship with his manager Joe Glaser. He played there that night against his doctor's orders – as this performance would be his last, four months later,
he dies of a heart attack.