Columbus, OH – The Jazz Arts Group’s 2009-2010 Swingin’ at the Southern series continues with I Loves You Porgy, featuring the Columbus Jazz Orchestra under the direction of world-renowned band leader and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling. Celebrating Porgy and Bess, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra features music from Gershwin’s only opera performed CJO-style with a swingin’ beat and hot rhythms. Combine 2004 Tony Award nominee Michael McElroy and Capathia Jenkins, who has toured nationally with Dreamgirls, and you have a can’t-miss stage experience.
Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Michael McElroy moved to New York City in May 1990 after earning his BFA in Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University. He made his Broadway debut in The High Rollers Social and Pleasure Club in 1992 and has since appeared in numerous productions, both on and off Broadway. McElroy was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Big River and has also been nominated for Drama Desk Awards for Violet and Big River. In 1999, McElroy became the founder and director of the Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse, non-denominational gospel choir made up of Broadway singers.
Capathia Jenkins made her Broadway debut in 1999, portraying Harriet Jackson in Frank Wildhorn’s musical The Civil War. In addition to her show-stopping turn in the Broadway hit Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, she has also starred in Broadway productions of Caroline, or Change, and Bacharach and David’s The Look of Love. She has appeared in numerous Off-Broadway productions, including the York Theatre’s recent revival of Godspell, Princess and the Black-eyed Pea, and After Hours. Her television credits include The Practice, Law & Order, The Sopranos, and many more. The celebrated vocalist can also be heard on the film soundtracks of Chicago and Legally Blonde 2.
I Loves You Porgy runs March 24 – 28 at the historic Southern Theatre. Visit www.jazzartsgroup.org for complete schedule and performance times.
The Swingin’ at the Southern series finale takes place April 21 – 25 with Cole & Cole, a tribute to Cole Porter and Nat “King” Cole with singer, actor and narrator Keith David. The Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) is proud to perform prior to each of the Swingin’ at the Southern Sunday afternoon matinees at 1 PM.
Single tickets are on sale now for $49 (main floor), $46 (first balcony) and $41 (second balcony). Tickets are available by phone at 614-469-0939 and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are also available at the CAPA ticket office at 39 E. State Street. Call 614-294-5200 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org for more information.