Ella: The Musical

Go backstage with one of the greatest singers of the 20th century in Ella: The Musical. The show has a simple setup — Fitzgerald is preparing for a concert and offers up spoken tidbits (real and mythical) about her life. But it’s the music, not surprisingly, that takes center stage. Actress/singer Tina Fabrique, a ringer for Fitzgerald in both visage and voice, performs a variety of the jazz icon’s mournful ballads, riff-infused ditties and jazz standards such as “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “How High the Moon.” Fabrique, a veteran of Broadway shows including Ragtime, is joined by her full band, including a trumpeter performing as Louis Armstrong. 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Wortham Center, 500 Texas. For information call 713-227-4772 or visit www.spahouston.org. $24 to $54.
Thu., Feb. 17; Fri., Feb. 18, 2011
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Julia Ramey