By Terry Teachout
Directed by Gordon Edelstein
Stage II
October 3 - November 11, 2012

STARRING JOHN DOUGLAS THOMPSON

"A TOP-NOTCH PERFORMANCE"
-The New York Times

"SUPERBLY ACTED... Does Louis Armstrong proud."
-New Haven Register

"MASTERFUL PERFORMANCE"
-Hartford Courant

"Extraordinary... Tour de force would be an understatement."
-The Boston Globe

"A TOUR DE FORCE for Thompson"
-CT Critics Circle

"March 1971. Backstage at the Empire Room of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Louis Armstrong, the greatest trumpet player in the world, sits in his dressing room trying to pull himself together to do one final show. Because as long as they clap, Louis will go out there and play. His mind wanders through the amazing journey of his life and his complex relationship with his manager Joe Glaser.  Join critically acclaimed actor John Douglas Thompson, described by The New York Times as one of the most compelling actors of his generation, in a tour de force performance playing both men, taking you into the minds and hearts of an American musical icon and the man behind the legend.

Runtime: 90 minutes with no intermission

Attention: This show contains strong language and is recommended for mature audiences.