The Life and Loves of Louis Armstrong

A Wonderful World

Satchmo, Satch, Dipper, Pops and the Caucasian mispronunciation of his name,“Lewie,” are some of the most recognized nicknames belonging to the incomparable Louis Armstrong. In this sweeping biographical musical of “The World’s Greatest Trumpet Player,” as he was also called, book writer Aurin Squire had the formidable task of culling through mountains of information to create this production. At almost three hours, Squire’s episodic story begins poetically, with a spotlight on Armstrong’s trumpet downstage center, and four women on multiple levels, seeming to appear from the heavens, singing one of the musician’s most familiar hit songs.

We eventually meet each of these lovely ladies because they were all a very important part of this story. They were Louis Armstrongs wives, each of whom influenced the talented trumpet player’s life and career. The colorful and charismatic vocalist, composer, recording artist, trumpet and coronet player and writer is portrayed with easygoing style by the marvelous James Monroe Iglehart. If that name sounds familiar, it may be because the multitalented Broadway artist won the Tony Award for Best Featured actor as the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin, the Musical.” He’s also played Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” the Marquis de Lafayette in “Hamilton” and will soon be seen, back on Broadway, as King Arthur in the upcoming revival of “Spamalot.” And, much like Louis Armstrong’s varied career, Mr. Iglehart has done it all. Beside appearing on Broadway, he’s appeared on television, in films and lent his voice to countless animated characters. The actor also comes across as one of the most likable people you’d ever want to meet, making him the perfect choice for this role.

Louis Armstrong’s life was molded by the love of his four wives. They’re boldly portrayed with scores of spirit and spunk by a quartet of some of the most talented Broadway actresses imaginable. Bawdy prostitute Daisy Parker, Armstrongs first wife, is played by saucy Khalifa White (“Caroline or Change,” “Little Shop of Horrors”). His second wife, Lil Hardin, who also took over Armstrong’s career as his manager, is played with drive and dignity by the talented Jennie Harney-Fleming (“The Color Purple,” “Hamilton”). Lovely Brennyn Lark (“Six,” “Les Miserables,” “Dreamgirls”) is stunning as Louis’ third wife, Alpha Smith. And the loving woman to whom Armstrong was married the longest, Cotton Club singer Lucille Wilson, is played with care and compassion by the extraordinary Ta’Rea Campbell (“Hamilton,” “Sister Act”). Each of these performers is a star capable of  blowing theatergoers out of their seats. I’d pay to see any one of them in concert, but together their voices raise the rafters.

The twenty-six actor/singer/dancers who portray an array of colorful characters, as well as the show’s ensemble, take the audience on a trip from New Orleans, Armstrong’s birthplace, to a showboat down the Mississippi River, north to Chicago, east to Harlem and New York City and west to Hollywoodland (as it was once called). The journey spans Armstrong’s entire life. 

We first see him as a poor New Orleans street kid during the 1920’s, helping the Jewish family, who practically raised him, collect and sell junk from a pushcart. It’s during these early years of hardship that Armstrong acquired a trumpet and taught himself to play. We learn how and why Louis sang and spoke with that recognizable gravelly voice. We appreciate his trademark use of a white handkerchief to wipe away the perspiration as he performed. We become saddened by the artist’s health problems, most notably a split lip, caused by his vigorous trumpet playing. This episodic musical spans the next five decades that ultimately make Louis Armstrong an international star. His artistry and amiability helped the musician cross over, becoming as popular with White audiences as with African-American fans. 

Sharing the stage with Mr. Iglehart are some truly gifted triple-threats. Among the remarkably talented singers and dancers are DeWitt Fleming, Jr., absolutely unbelievable as Lincoln Perry (better known by his comic character name Stepin Fetchit); Gavin Gregory as Armstrong’s mentor, King Joe Oliver; Matthew Greenwood as the trumpeter’s Irish promoter, Johnny Collins; and Matt Wolpe as Joe Glaser, Louis Armstrong’s talent agent and friend.

The production features some of Louis Armstrong’s hits, although, sadly, the titles aren’t listed in the program for reference. Besides “What a Wonderful World,” we’re treated to “Black and Blue,” “When You’re Smiling” “Up a Lazy River,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and many others. Also included in the score are (I believe) some original songs by Annastasia Victory & Michael O. Mitchell, who were also responsible for musical arrangements and orchestrations. The production was conceived and directed by Drama Desk winner, Christopher Renshaw, with some dazzling choreography and musical staging, courtesy of Rickey Tripp. A textured, colorful and continually-changing scenic and projection design is by Adam Koch & Steven Royal, illuminated by Cory Pattak. And the beautiful, spangly, jaw-dropping costumes were designed by Toni-Leslie James.

While this is a sumptuously produced and highly entertaining tribute to Louis Armstrong, the iconic American genius of Jazz, it’s also not without its problems. The story is disjointed and transitions between time and place lack fluidity. As such, the play feels choppy. The musical and, especially, the choreographed numbers are the real highlight. Undoubtedly playwright Aurin Squires was challenged in researching Armstrong’s long life, trying to determine which facts to keep and which to discard. 

The Chicago touring production, which I consider a work in progress, is rumored to be heading to Broadway. I believe the show is truly a work of art, but it’s stuffed with too much material. By Act II the audience is overloaded with information. Mr. Squires needs to take a closer look to see how he can better eliminate the fat and focus on Armstrong’s love life. While doing this he can connect the story’s sprawling episodes and determine where to make some cuts. Just keep the music, the dancing, the magnificent James Monroe Iglehart in the starring role, and focus on those four gifted and talented Loves of Armstrong’s Life.     

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Present October 11-29 by Broadway in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all BIC box offices, at all Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com

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