ELLA FITZGERALD IS BEING FETED IN STORY AND SONG AT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE

Ella Fitzgerald was an iconic songstress who was at the top of her game when she sang like a songbird on stage. Ella was, is, and will forever be the “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella” as well as “First Lady of Song” to the world. You have the unique opportunity to hear another mighty tribute to her powers when the Westport Country Playhouse presents the musical magic of Cherise Coaches until Sunday, November 5.

In a jazzy concert salute with sassy swing and juicy joy, you are invited to relax to the rhythms as “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald” captures her style and scats. Cherise will reveal how after almost six decades of performing, Ella Fitzgerald established herself as a master of improvisation, perfect phasing and timing, with a pure tone, expert diction, and especially scat singing. Her childhood was marked by obstacles, with singing and dancing in church as well as performing for her classmates at lunchtime and on the way to school a welcome respite. She loved the jazz records her mom brought home to play, until a car accident took her mother away when Ella was only a teenager. Her step father is thought to have abused her.

Her jobs as a numbers runner and a lookout at a bordelo caused her to skip school and her good grades suffered. She spent time in an orphanage and reform school and later earned a living singing on Harlem streets. A talent show at the Apollo where she won first prize changed her future. Cherise Coaches will be up close and personal about Ella’s life. An Artists Lounge Live production, written and directed by Angela Ingersoll, with musical direction by Wiliam Kurk with his band Runere Brooks, Ryan Bennett, and Jay Flat, presents Cherise as she takes the audience on a lively and unique journey into her heroine Ella’s heart and soul. Along the way, Cherise adds touches about how her own life as a singer shares interesting similarities.

With personality plus, Cherise sings such favorites as “Summertime,” “The Lay Is a Tramp,” “A-Tisket A-Tasket,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Mack the Knife,” ”Our Love Is Here to Stay” and “It’s Too Darn Hot,” plus many others.

For tickets ($35 and up), call the Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off route 1 in Westport at 203-227-4177 or 888-927-7529 or online at www.westportplayhouse.org. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Let Cherise take you from Ella’s childhood all the way to Carnegie Hall, and warbling with her outstanding songs all along the fascinating way.