Hit Me With a Hot Note

Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies – Porchlight Music Theatre

How long has it been since you’ve attended a musical production and wished you could simply press a magic replay button and immediately see it all over again? Well, this is that show. Don’t let this one pass you by because there’s just not enough superlatives in the dictionary to do justice to this wonderful, professionally polished production. It’s that good!

Back in 1981, this musical delight dazzled Broadway audiences with its brilliance at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre for over two years. Conceived by Donald McKayle and choreographed by a small army of artists, the show featured the talents of such song-and-dance luminaries as Hinton Battle (who won the Tony Award for his performance), Gregory Hines, Judith Jamison, Phyllis Hyman, Greg Burge and Mercer Ellington. Porchlight Music Theatre’s production is every bit as great, if not even more magnificent.

The infectious music is, of course, by Duke Ellington, and it’s simply sublime. The look of this production is elegant, with Angela Weber Miller’s plush nightclub scenic design and Theresa Ham’s sparkling array of tailored costumes fairly dripping with glossy, 1930’s style. The velvety lush score is lovingly brought to life by gifted pianist and musical director, Jermaine Hill. He’s front and center, tinkling the keys of his white baby grand, while conducting the six talented musicians of his onstage band. The production has been beautifully co-directed and co-choreographed by the exquisite, multi Award-winning team of Brenda Didier and Florence Walker-Harris. And the cast? Well, there isn’t a better ensemble of singers and dancers in Chicago, perhaps in the entire nation! The talent performing in this revue are all topnotch.

Presenting over two dozen of Duke Ellington’s dreamy, romantic hits, this cast of triple-threats charms every audience member, taking many theatergoers on a trip down memory lane. The entertainment includes such popular tunes as “Hit Me With a Hot Note,” “Take The A Train,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Caravan,” “Satin Doll,” “I Got It Bad,” “Mood Indigo,” “Sophisticated Lady” and, brings down the house with the energetic, company finale, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing).” 

The vocalists, all of whom are also talented dancers, include Lydia Burke, Donterrio Johnson, Molly Kral, Donica Lynn, John Marshall, Jr., Lorenzo Rush, Jr. and Eustace J. Williams. The ensemble of  Sophisticated Ladies are comprised of Shantel Cribbs, Madison Piner, Jenna Schoppe and Terri K. Woodall, while the Sophisticated Gentlemen include Chuckie Benson, Tristan Bruns, Kaimana Neil and Joey Stone. So talented and dynamic are they that each and every one of these excellent artists could carry his or her own show.  

Artistic Director Michael Weber must be bursting with pride. Everyone connected with this ravishing, radiant musical revue should start dusting off their shelves right now, because there’s bound to be a slew of honors and awards bestowed upon this talented cast and crew come next Fall. Here in Chicago, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, is an absolute must-see, Broadway caliber production that will warm these cold winter nights with the delectable music of Duke Ellington. Hit Me With a Hot Note, indeed!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

Presented January 24-March 6 by Porchlight Music Theatre at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-777-9884 or by going to www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.