Marilyn and Ella at the Apollo Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
BONNIE Greer’s new musical drama, Marilyn and Ella, which premiered at the Theatre Royal Stratford East early last year, will be staged at the West End’s Apollo Theatre on November 15, 22 and 29, 2009.
Previously Posted: Bonnie Greer’s new musical drama, Marilyn and Ella, premieres at the Theatre Royal Stratford East – from February 15 to March 15, 2008.
In 1955, Marilyn Monroe was at the height of her fame. Nevertheless, she wanted to be taken seriously as an artist, like the woman she most admired, jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, who was also at the peak of her career.
But Ella wanted more too – the kind of fame Marilyn had and that included being in the movies. However, to break into Hollywood she needed to meet the ‘right’ people, like the producers and money-men who frequented the ‘living-room of the stars’, the Mocambo night club.
Ella, though, stood no chance of singing at the whites-only Mocambo…until Marilyn stepped in and pulled strings like nobody else could!
Marilyn and Ella is the little known, true story of the friendship between two of the 20th Century’s greatest icons – Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald.
It features unforgettable old standards like They Can’t Take That Away From Me; The Lady Is a Tramp; Someone To Watch Over Me; My Funny Valentine; Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered; Every time We Say Goodbye; Just Two Little Girls From Little Rock; Baby, It’s Cold Outside; The Man That Got Away and Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend; plus new songs by award-winning Warren Wills.
Colin McFarlane directs Nicola Hughes (Porgy and Bess, Chicago) as Ella Fitzgerald and Wendy Morgan (A Street Car Named Desire, The Bill) as Marilyn Monroe. Musical direction is by Warren Wills.
Running time: 2 hours (including a 15 minute interval).