Despite the rain, train delays and queues at Harrods beforehand, I managed to get myself to Shaftesbury Avenue's Apollo Theatre on time to watch the west end play 'Marilyn & Ella'. It was the second of a five show production and I was lucky enough to get tickets (thanks to my parents).
I have been a fan of Marilyn Monroe for quite a few years now but until today, I didn't know much about Ella Fitzgerald. The play, written by Bonnie Greer tells the story of the friendship between the two: Marilyn helped Ella break the racial barriers and become the first black person to perform at 'The Mocambo', the most prestigious night club in LA.
It was an intimate show, simply with a musical quartet, Marilyn (Suzie Kennedy), Ella (Hope Augustus) and a guest appearance by Frank Sinatra (Stephen Triffit). Suzie Kennedy, one of the world's most famous Monroe impersonators, was very convincing and made the audience feel special by making eye-contact and singing directly to us.
"I wanna be loved by you, just you, nobody else but you... boo boo bi doo"
I really enjoyed watching the show and even managed to get a quick snap afterwards with Miss Monroe herself. Unfortunately she didn't sing the famous "Happy Birthday" to me and my dad!
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woo hoo! so glad you enjoyed the show, thanks so much for coming, much appreciated and glad it taught you about another side of marilyn.Gret meeting you.
ReplyDeletelove suzie kennedy