Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies
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concept by Donald McKayle
based on the music of Duke Ellington
musical and dance arrangements by Lloyd Mayers
vocal arrangements by Malcolm Dodds and Lloyd Mayers
original music direction by Mercer Ellington
directed by Charles Randolph-Wright
Choreographed by Maurice Hines
April 9 - June 27, 2010
at the Lincoln Theatre

Press Releases

May 12, 2010
Due to record-breaking high demand Arena Stage extends Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies through June 6, 2010 >

March 18, 2010
Director Charles Randolp-Wright celebrates "The Duke's" incomparable influence on music, dance and style in Arena Stage's production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies choreographed by and starring Maurice Hines. >


Performance Calendar >
Cast and Design Bios >
Subtext >
Click on Sub/Text to access production background information and multimedia materials.


Production Script for Sophisticated Ladies >
This show is now closed. To request a script please email press@arenastage.org

High Resolution Art and Photos >
This show is now closed. To request art and photos please email press@arenastage.org


If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Media Relations at press@arenastage.org or call Director of Media Relations Kirstin Franko at (202) 554-9066 ext. 715 or Media Relations Associate Jessica Marlatt at (202) 554-9066 ext. 226. 

The Duke comes home to the Lincoln with Sophisticated Ladies, the award-winning musical revue that explores the legacy of our local jazz hero starring Broadway legend Maurice Hines. This glorious re-creation of the big band sound features some of the most memorable music from the Roaring Twenties to the Swing Era, including such classic songs as “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.” With one show-stopping number after another, this stylish and brassy retrospective travels through a history of American song and dance, from Charleston to swing to virtuosic tap dancing. It’s an abundance of riches from the most sophisticated and sassy jazz king of all.