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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us February 10, 2005 Oregon Cabaret Theatre puts legendary musician on center stage By Richard Moeschl Arts & Entertainment Editor Oregon Cabaret Theatre has chosen to open its 2005 season with more than a touch of elegance with "Ellington: The Life & Music of the Duke," written by David Scully with musical arrangements by John Engerman. Scully wrote the previous OCT show, "King of Cool: The Life & Music of Nat King Cole." "Ellington" uses a similar poetic narrative style to explore the life and music of Ellington, whose career spanned six decades. Ellington died in 1974. Composer, arranger, lyricist, he left his mark in the worlds of jazz and pop music, as well creating extended works, suites, concertos, dance and sacred music. He was one of the last of the musicians of his era to keep a big band. "No one is Duke Ellington in the show. We're evoking the music of that wonderful man," said Jim Giancarlo, Oregon Cabaret Theatre�s artistic director and the co-director of OCT's production of "Ellington." The show stars vocalist and actor Edward M. Barker who was previously seen at OCT in "Five Guys Named Moe." After making his professional singing debut at age 13, tenor Barker has performed opera, barbershop quartet and was concert soloist under the direction of Robert Shaw and Roger Wagner. He was founder and musical director of a professional touring quintet that specialized in tight harmonies and was lead singer, keyboardist and percussionist of a Top 40/Jazz/Motown band and lead singer for a blues band. Barker has appeared at theaters nationwide. Jimi Ray Malary, who was previously scheduled to appear, was obliged to withdraw due family health problems. The tribute to Duke presents more than 30 classic Ellington tunes including: "Sophisticated Lady," "Satin Doll," "It Don�t Mean A Thing If It Ain�t Got That Swing," "I Got It Bad," "Take the A Train" and "Mood Indigo." "A lot of kids are into swing," said Baker, "they might not know the name � but they know the music." "Ellington: The Life & Music of the Duke" is directed by David Koch and Giancarlo with musical direction by Darcy Danielson. Danielson also plays piano for the production and is joined by Jim Malachi on drums, Bruce McKern on bass, and Michael Vannice as the horn section. "The arrangements are true to the stride style of the recordings," Danielson said. Ellington's music has become "our" music, having moved into the world of "the standards." It used to be that popular music came from show tunes. People knew where the songs came from. Now the song has a life of its own. "That defines a standard," Danielson said," "It leaves the show." Or it moves seamlessly to another show in another generation. Giancarlo pointed out that many young people have been introduced to Ellington's music through the soundtrack of the movie, "Malcolm X." Set design is by Craig Hudson, costume design by Kerri Lea Robbins and sound design by Frank Sullivan. The stage manager is Kathleen Mahoney. "Ellington: The Life & Music of the Duke" plays at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays as well as Sunday brunch matinees at 1 p.m. through March 6. Oregon Cabaret Theatre also offers gourmet dinners and brunch - advance reservation required - as well as appetizers, desserts and beverages, for which reservations aren't required. Food and beverages are not included in the ticket price. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Women's & Men's Slippers Ceramic Piggy Banks heloc libor rate Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weightloss Products Memory Foam Mattress afsa studentloans home equity loans teleconferencing W2 Forms fasa student loans Matchmaking & Dating Scripts African Safari Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation wholesale diamonds Currancy Exchange web conferencing Online Casinos Community Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams