Terry Teachout's Satchmo at the Waldorf will have its official Off Broadway premiere at the Westside Theater on March 4.
But previews begin tomorrow--February 15.
Teachout's tour-de-force looks at Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong's performance at New York City's famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel. In dealing with the life of Louis, Teachout examines Armstrong's moments backstage, specifically, his internal struggle as a trumpeter at the summit of power in March of 1971.
It was not often that many were able to experience the man behind the horn and growl; it is Satchmo at the Waldorf that delves into the life of this legend.
Critically acclaimed John Douglas Thompson plays the tortured musician and morphs between trumpeter, Joe Glaser (Louis' manager) and fellow musician Miles Davis. The single portrayal of each actor should make for an unorthodox performance.
Mr. Teachout is a critic for the Wall Street Journal and blogs as "About Last Night" on ArtsJournal.com. He based his play off his own 2009 biography, Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong. The biography--and play--were conceived from hearing a series of rare diary tapes left behind by the late trumpeter and singer. With this kind of subjectivity, the audience will be able to look into the proverbial window of Louis's bittersweet career.
WARNING: The language in the show--based on the recordings and noted by its producers--will be coarse. So, be wary of bringing the youngsters.
Tickets for Satchmo at the Waldorf will be available online via Telecharge.com or phone: (212) 239-6200/(800) 447-7400. Tickets may also be purchased, in person, at the Westside Theatre Box Office at 407 West 43rd Street. I
Classicalite highly advises buying tickets ahead of time, as this one will be harder to get once previews are over.
Until then, watch this trailer for Terry Teachout's Satchmo at the Waldorf...
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