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 its 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 icons mournful ballads, riff-infused ditties and jazz standards such as It Dont Mean a Thing (If It Aint Got That Swing), Lets 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