By: Jen Thuy-Tien
Contributing Writer
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Directed by Rus Blackwell
The Lownd
es Shakespeare Center presents Terry Teachout’s “Satchmo at the Waldorf,” featuring a strong one-man performance by Dennis Neal as the iconic Louis Armstrong and Armstrong’s manager, Joe Glaser. Set in the dressing room at the Waldrof Astoria Hotel’s Empire Room, we meet a tired yet still charismatic Louis Armstrong preparing for what will be his last performance as he dies four months later. Armstrong talks about his troubled youth and growing up in poverty, his experiences on the road, race relations, his love for his wife Lucille and his relationship with businessman Joe Glaser all the while recording himself with a portable tape recorder for his book.
We watch how Jewish businessman Glaser played a role in the talented musician’s career and life as a manager and best friend. Glaser helped Armstrong gain popularity with white audiences, where the money was. When Glaser was not on the road with Armstrong, the two men frequently talked to each other on the phone.
The play consists of two acts that combine playfulness, passion and friendship into a snapshot of emotion as we watch Armstrong recall his life from a poor boy to a music icon and the relationships he made along the way. Neal gives an exceptional performance as both Armstrong and Glaser. He makes seamless transitions between two characters—an emotional and raw musician and a clever businessman. “Satchmo at the Waldorf” is an interesting look into Louis Armstrong’s life and relationships making it an excellent production worth seeing.
When: through Oct. 2; Friday-Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:30 pm
Where: Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando
Tickets: $20; $16 students and seniors
Call: 407-405-8091
