12 Reasons Not to Miss “Stormy Weather” at Pasadena Playhouse
By Pasadena Independent
Published: Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Leslie Uggams as Lena Horne – Photos by kevinberne.com
Multiple Barrier Breaker Lena Horne’s Life is Chronicled in New Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse
Conceived and written by Sharleen Cooper Cohen (suggested by the biography “Lena Horne, Entertainer” published by Chelsea House) and directed by Michael Bush the west coast premiere of “Stormy Weather” opened at the Pasadena Playhouse on Friday, January 30 to a standing ovation.
Here are 12 reasons to go see it:
1. Emmy and Tony-winner and barrier breaker herself, Leslie Uggams (Lena Horne) who performs with poise and she sure can sell a song!
2. Terrific tap dancing of Wilkie Ferguson (Aiken Bones) and Phillip Attmore (Jivin’ Jones).
3. Two of the significant “men” in Lena’s life: Kevyn Morrow poignant and elegant as Billy Strayhorn and the very appealing Robert Torti as Lennie Hayton
4. The music of Cole Porter, Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer, Rodgers & Hart, Billy Strayhorn and more.
Pictured are (L-R) Robert Torti, Kevyn Morrow, Leslie Uggams, Jordan Barbour and Cleavant Derricks.
5. Conductor/Music Director Linda Twine and the fabulous band playing orchestrations by Gordon Goodwin.
6. Talented and shapely Nikki Crawford as Young Lena and audience favorite Dee Hoty as Kay Thompson leading an outstanding ensemble cast of singer/dancer/actors.
7. Energizing choreography by Randy Skinner.
8. Wonderful costumes by Martin Pakledinaz and “true to period” wig and hair design by Carol F. Doran.
9. Inventive scenic design by James Noone which makes the most of the available stage space.
10. Effective lighting design by Paul Gallo and sound design by Lewis Mead.
11. During troubling economic times, the arts, and especially the performing arts, always provide a much needed respite.
12. To make that “respite” affordable, the Playhouse has initiated discount programs for both season subscriptions and single tickets. Discounts of up to 44 percent are available for 2009 subscriptions with even larger discounts available for groups, students and educators. In addition, access pricing is available for “Stormy Weather.”
“Stormy Weather” continues through March 1. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 E. El Molino Avenue. Tickets are available by calling 626-356-7529, by visiting the box office (12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily) and online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
By Candyce Columbus
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