(© Tristan Fuge)
Kenneth Lee Roberson will join choreographer and star Maurice Hines in creating dances for Arena Stage’s production of Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, to play April 9-May 30, with an opening on April 15. In addition, Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of Duke Ellington and an assistant choreographer for the original Broadway production, has joined the production, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, as artistic consultant.
Conceived by Donald McKayle, the show is based on the music of Duke Ellington, with music and dance arrangements by Lloyd Mayers and vocal arrangements by Malcolm Dodd and Lloyd Mayers.
Along with news of Roberson and Mercedes’ Ellington’s involvement, Arena Stage has announced that Sam Cahn, Janine DiVita, and Karla Mosley will complete the cast which, as previously announced, will also feature Marva Hicks, Sabra Lewis, Tony Mansker, John Manzari, Leo Manzari, Wynonna Smith, Keith Lamelle Thomas, DeMoya Watson, Hollie E. Wright, and Richard Riaz Yoder.
The creative team will also include musical director David Alan Bunn, set and projection Designer Alexander V. Nichols, costume designer Reggie Ray, lighting designer Michael Gilliam and sound designer Timothy J. Thompson.
For more information, visit www.arenastage.org.
