Ella, America's First Lady of Song
On Wednesday, April 2, the Bradford Travel Club will attend a matinee performance of Ella at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
The show is based on the life of the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, called Lady Ella or America’s First Lady of Song. The theatrical event weaves myth, memory and music. On a stage on the French Riviera, Ella Fitzgerald rehearses for a 1966 concert. When her producer asks her to add more “patter” to the act, she begins to reminisce, taking the audience inside the heart and soul of one of the world’s greatest jazz singers. Featured are 14 of her timeless hits, including That Old Black Magic, How High the Moon, and They Can’t Take That Away From Me. Vocalist Tina Fabrique portrays Ella.
This show has been touring through cities nationwide and is a rare opportunity for Fitzgerald fans to hear her music again.
With a vocal range spanning three octaves, Ella was noted for her purity of tone, phrasing and intonation, and a “horn-like” improvisational ability, particularly in scat singing. She is widely considered to have been one of the supreme interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
Over a recording career that spanned 57 years, she won 13 Grammy Awards and was awarded the National Medal of Art by Ronald Reagan and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George H. W. Bush.
Before the show, lunch will be provided at the new Cyrano’s, a restaurant noted for its desserts. The original Cyrano’s was founded 40 years ago, and the re-creation includes items from the old restaurant. Cost is $87 per person. Register by February 28.
Philadelphia and More
We have planned an exciting spring trip to Philadelphia and the surrounding area from April 30-May 7. Initially we intended to fly, but it is a relatively short trip, just one whole day on the road each way with arrival on the second day, and the cost differential was substantial on this one. So, we are doing the trip by motor coach.
April 30 will be a travel day. On May 1 we will stop at Gettysburg National Park as we head to the Philadelphia area. A step-on guide will join us to explain the battle that turned the tide of the Civil War.
We will check into the Comfort Inn, our hotel for the next five nights. It serves a hot breakfast buffet daily and is near the King of Prussia Mall where we will have dinner the first night.
We will start the day on May 2 with a visit to QVC Studio where we will get a tour through the fascinating world of electronic retailing. Then we’ll visit Valley Forge National Historic Park, again with a step-on.
May 3 will be our day in the Brandywine Valley where we will visit the world of the Wyeths and DuPonts. Included is a tour of the Brandywine River Museum and Winterthur Museum and Gardens. This houses the finest collection of decorative arts in America and is a world-class establishment.
We will also tour Longwood Gardens, designed by Pierre S. DuPont. It has various themed gardens and Pierre DuPont’s country home. A highlight will be one of the daily fountain shows. Then we’ll end the day with traditional English fare at the City Tavern Restaurant, a continuously operated restaurant since colonial days.
On Sunday, May 5, we will tour historic Philadelphia with a step-on guide. America’s Most Historic Sqaure Mile includes such places as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, Betsy Ross House, Christ Church and Burial Ground, and the National Constitution Center.
We will conclude our area tour in Lancaster County, PA, home of the Old Order Amish.
Call Judy Schneck for a day by day detailed itinerary (664-2200).
