On this day March 1 1981 the musical Sophisticated Ladies opened at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre in New York City. The production was a celebration of the music of Duke Ellington featuring a mix of his greatest compositions performed in a vibrant and stylish revue.
The show included classic Ellington songs such as It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing Mood Indigo Take the A Train and In a Sentimental Mood. The production was praised for its dazzling choreography elegant staging and a cast that delivered powerful vocal performances.
Sophisticated Ladies ran for a total of 767 performances becoming one of the most successful jazz inspired Broadway revues of the era. The musical earned several Tony Award nominations and won for Best Costume Design recognizing its visually stunning presentation.
Fun fact: The original Broadway production of Sophisticated Ladies featured legendary tap dancer Gregory Hines who was widely celebrated for his incredible rhythm and showmanship.
Trivia question: Duke Ellington was one of the most influential jazz composers in history. Can you name the instrument he was best known for playing.
The show included classic Ellington songs such as It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing Mood Indigo Take the A Train and In a Sentimental Mood. The production was praised for its dazzling choreography elegant staging and a cast that delivered powerful vocal performances.
Sophisticated Ladies ran for a total of 767 performances becoming one of the most successful jazz inspired Broadway revues of the era. The musical earned several Tony Award nominations and won for Best Costume Design recognizing its visually stunning presentation.
Fun fact: The original Broadway production of Sophisticated Ladies featured legendary tap dancer Gregory Hines who was widely celebrated for his incredible rhythm and showmanship.
Trivia question: Duke Ellington was one of the most influential jazz composers in history. Can you name the instrument he was best known for playing.
