Kim Nalley
"Ella: The American Dream," a musical biography about Ella Fitzgerald written and performed by San Francisco jazz vocalist Kim Nalley, returns to the Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma for an encore presentation with performances Aug. 19 to Sept. 12. Photo courtesy: Kim Nalley

As part of the Petaluma Summer Music Festival, San Francisco jazz vocalist Kim Nalley reprises her performance as Ella Fitzgerald in this encore presentation of Ella: The American Dream, featuring additional songs from the jazz vocalist’s repertoire.

Nalley penned this Fitzgerald tribute, a quintessential rags to riches story that takes audiences back to 1930’s Harlem, the Savoy Ballroom and the birth of the swing era which paved the way for musical greats including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and a Savoy Ballroom dancer named Frankie Manning who popularized a new dance called the Lindy Hop.

Based on new historical findings about Ella Fitzgerald’s humble beginnings, this production will have audiences snappin’ their fingers, feeling optimistic and yearning for more with its original music, jazz standards and Lindy Hop dancing.

Directed by Elly Lichenstein

WHEN: Aug. 19 to Sept. 12, 2010
8 p.m. Aug 19, 20, 21, 27, 28; Sept 2, 4, 9, 10, 11
2 p.m. Aug. 29; Sept 5 & 12

TICKETS: $25 to $35
In advance: $35 General; $32 Senior; Under 30 $25

LOCATION: Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma, Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA

PHONE: 707-763-8920
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or purchase at the door.
Reservations highly recommended.

VIDEO: https://animoto.com/play/uDl4DwvZQZLBfMfXRclT0A

CAST: Kim Nalley as Ella Fitzgerald with Robert Henry Johnson as Chick Webb and Kevin Munroe as Frankie Manning. Also featuring Tammy L Hall, Kent Bryson, Michael Zisman and Nicole Frydman.

Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.