In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with two of the stars of “A Wonderful World” providing a look at the legendary jazz legend, Louis Armstrong. This Broadway bound musical stars James Monroe Iglehart (Genie in Aladdin) and chatting with Paul are Jennie Harney-Fleming who plays Armstrong’s wife Lil, and DeWitt Fleming, Jr who plays Lincoln Perry (known in his career as Steppin’ Fetchit. The story follows Armstrong from his early days at the birth of jazz in his native New Orleans, and follows him thru his international stardom. And yes, you’ll hear all the great Armstrong songs you expect to hear: What a Wonderful World, When the Saints Go Marching in, When You’re Smiling and so much more…
Not to be missed, this story of jazz’s greatest star plays at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through October 29th. Tickets may be purchased at www.broadwayinchicago.com
Here is Paul’s review of A Wonderful World:
A Wonderful World is a Wonderful Show!
Louis Armstrong was one of a kind in the world of Jazz music and entertainment. James Monroe Iglehart captures the man, his sparkle, his flaws and his charisma in the way the story should be told…through the eyes of the women who loved him, his four wives. Told from the beginning of his career to the end of his life, we learn what made Satchmo tick, what made him the “Pops” star he became….All of the songs you want to hear are here, often done in creative ways by the terrific ensemble cast. The dance and tap choreography of Rickey Tripp and DeWitt Fleming, Jr (who also plays the classic character known as Steppin’ Fetchit) will have you tappin’ in your seat.
There will never be another Louis Armstrong….and thank goodness our wonderful world can forever celebrate this musician among musicians for years to come…here in Chicago and where his story needs to be told…on Broadway!!
Paul Lisnek, ‘Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com
