Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe: A Little-Known Friendship
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Posted by: eJazzNews Readeron Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 08:46 PM |
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Theatre Royal Stratford East Presents:
MARILYN AND ELLA
WRITTEN BY BONNIE GREER
DIRECTED BY COLIN MCFARLANE
MUSICAL DIRECTOR WARREN WILLS
DESIGNER ROBIN DON
LIGHTING DESIGNER TIM MASCALL
15th February ‘08–
*** Press Night 21st February 200,8***
“She was ahead of her time and she didn't even know it” Ella Fitzgerald on Marilyn Monroe
“Everybody knows you don't mess with a victim” Marilyn Monroe on Marilyn Monroe
It’s 1955 and Marilyn Monroe is at the height of her fame. Despite this, she wants to be taken seriously as an artist, like the woman she most admires, jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, who is also at the peak of her career.
Even though she can’t quite believe her own success, Ella wants more too. She wants the kind of fame Marilyn has. She wants to be in the movies. But to break into Hollywood , she needs to meet the ‘right’ people like the producers and money-men who frequent the ‘living-room of the stars’ Mocambo night club.
But Ella stands no chance of singing at the whites-only Mocambo…until Marilyn steps in and pulls strings like nobody else can!
These two iconic women - both outsiders - come together in an evening of raw emotion and great songs. A true but forgotten moment of American showbiz history re-enacted live on stage.
Driven by ambition, frustrated by prejudice, united in friendship.
Famous for bringing new musical drama to the stage, Theatre Royal Stratford East joins forces with renowned playwright Bonnie Greer to present – Marilyn and Ella . Set in 1955 Marilyn and Ella is the little-known true story of the friendship between two of the 20th century’s biggest icons - Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald.
The play will showcase the talents of NICOLA HUGHES ( P orgy and Bess, Chicago ) as Ella Fitzgerald and WENDY MORGAN (A Street Car Named Desire, The Bill) as Marilyn Monroe. Audiences can an expect a truly enchanting evening with many of the hit songs that Ella and Marilyn made famous including, They Can't Take That Away From Me ; Lady Is a Tramp ; Someone To Watch Over Me ; My Funny Valentine ; Diamond Are A Girl’s Best Friend.
Marilyn and Ella is directed by COLIN MCFARLANE with music and songs arranged and directed by WARREN WILLS
This play with music is a development of the acclaimed 2005 Radio 4 play -
"Marilyn and Ella Backstage at the Mocambo" and the Edinburgh Fringe 2006 hit cabaret/play "Ella Meet Marilyn." Completely re-written for the 2008 production, Marilyn and Ella boasts an entirely new cast and so will be quite different from these. This production also forms part of the Mayor of London’s East 2008 festival.
For further press information, please contact Lynn Patrice Ochoa press@stratfordeast.com 020 8279 1123
www.stratfordeast.com
Listing Details
Dates:
15th February 2008 - 15th March 2008
(Press Night: 21st Feb
Times: Evenings at 7:30pm,
Matinees – Wednesday 25th Feb: 2pm, Saturday Matinees at 3pm
Tickets: Tues – Thurs & Sat Matinees - £10, £19, Children and Conc. - £7, £12
Fri & Sat evenings - £12, £22 Children and Conc. - £7, £12
‘Be 1st to see’ nights, 15th – 22nd Feb, all seats £10.
Venue: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square , London , E15 1BN
Nearest station: Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Overground, DLR & mainline)
Booking Line: Box Office: 020 8534 0310. Opening Hours: 10am–6pm, Monday-Friday
Or book online www.stratfordeast.com
Lynn Patrice Ochoa
PRESS & MARKETING
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Gerry Raffles Square
London
E15 1BJ
t: 0208 279 1123
e: press@stratfordeast.com
f: 020 8534 8381
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