FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Ashley Robison
504.522.2081 x6
arobison@lepetittheatre.com

New Orleans, LA (JANUARY 17, 2017) – Director Jackie Alexander (The High Prieste ss of Dark Alley) returns to Le Petit this winter to tackle the explosive musical , Jelly’s Last Jam, celebrating the controversial and iconic figure that is New Orleans’ jazz musician, Jelly Roll Morton.

Born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in New Orleans’ Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton rose to fame as a musician and arranger in the early part of the twentieth century, and soon proclaimed himself “the inventor of jazz.” Led by the charismatic and mysterious Chimney Man and his trio of heavenly songbirds, The Hunnies, the audience takes a journey with Jelly Roll through the pivotal moments of his life.

On directing Jelly’s Last Jam at Le Petit, Alexand er says, " Jelly's Last Jam is New Orleans! The music, dance, characters, and energy of the show were birthed from the city's history, so as Le Petit celebrates its 100th anniversary, I can't think of a more appropriate show to bring to the stage."

Le Petit Theatre welcomes acclaimed tap choreographer and actor Ted Louis Levy to the role of Jelly Roll Morton. Levy received Drama Desk and Tony nominations, and received an Outer Critics Circle award, for his tap choreography on the original Broadway production of Jelly’s Last Jam. Levy’s tap choreography will be revitalized on the Le Petit stage, as many of his original tap routines from the Broadway production are revisited.

New Orleans’ Equity actors, Idella Johnson (Anita) and Robert Diago DoQui (Jack the Bear) join the cast in leading roles. They are joined by L.G. White II (Young Jelly), Damien Moses (The Chimney Man), Mikhala Iversen (Gran Mimi), Tomeka Williams (Mamie) and Kebron Woodfin (Buddy Bolden). Shangobunmi Durotimi Mcalpine, Jarrell Hamilton, and Traci Tolmaire are the trio of heavenly Hunnies. The cast is rounded out by a dynamic ensemble that includes Owen H. Dunne, Alysha Jean Charles, Ebony Johnson, Lloyd Meekins, and Tyler Price.

The production will feature a band composed of New Orleans’ finest jazz musicians led by Music Director and Pianist, Tom Hook. The band, who will be featured on-stage, features John Jones on drums, Brandon Brunious on banjo, Khari Allen Lee on reeds, Edward Anderson on trumpet, David Pulphus on bass, and Michael Watson on trombone.

Jelly’s Last Jam was written by George C. Wolfe, and features lyrics by Susan Birkenhead and music by Jelly Roll Morton and Luther Henderson.

The creative team includes Jackie Alexander (director), Traci Tolmaire (choreographer), Bill Walker (set design), Julie Winn (costume design), Andrew Griffin (lighting design) and Theo Fogelman (sound design).

PREVIEW / PRESS
Friday, January 27, or Saturday, January 28 at 7:30 PM.

OPENING NIGHT
Friday, January 27 at 7:30 PM.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
January 27-February 12, 2017
Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sunday afternoons at 3 PM
There will be a Wednesday evening performance on February 1 at 7:30 PM.
There will be no performance Saturday, February 11th.

WHERE
LE PETIT THEATRE
616 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
504.522.2081

TICKETS
Box Office: 504.522.2081 or LePetitTheatre.com
$35-50 for Adults, $15 for Students and Children.

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About Le Petiti Theatre
Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré is now in its 100th Anniversary Season! Located in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, Le Petit Theatre, a 501(c)3 organization, is passionately dedicated to presenting the highest quality theatrical performances to entertain and educate the diverse population of the region, and enhance the economic vitality of the greater New Orleans area. By offering a full season of contemporary and classic dramas, comedies, musicals, and children’s productions, as well as master classes and special events, the theatre embraces the work of the city’s professional artists both onstage and backstage, all the while nurturing and mentoring up-and-coming talent with its array of outreach programs. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Maxwell Williams, Managing Director Katie Hallman, a 16-member Board of Governors, and a 60-member Advisory Board, Le Petit Theatre has played an important role in our nation’s and city’s theatrical history since 1916.