Satchmo at the Waldorf Posts Early Closing Notices

John Douglas Thompson's one man show Satchmo at the Waldorf, written by Wall Street Journal's theater critic Terry Teachout, has posted early closing notices, and will now end performances on 29 June 2014 at the Westside Theatre Upstairs. The production originally opened on 04 Mar 2014, following previews from 15 Feb 2014, and was previously booking through 8 August 2014.

At the time of closing the production will have played 18 previews and 136 regular performances.

Directed by the Long Wharf Theatre's artistic director Gordon Edelstein, who helmed the earlier productions, Satchmo at the Waldorf is set 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.

Thompson previously played the role in 2012 at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven Connecticut and at the Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts. He was the recipient of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Solo Performance for his performance in the role. The creative team features sets by Lee Savage, costumes by Ilona Somogyi, lighting by Kevin Adams and sound by John Gromada.

John Douglas Thompson has starred on Broadway in 'A Time to Kill,' 'Cyrano de Bergerac' and 'Julius Caesar.' His Off-Broadway credits include 'King Lear,' 'The Emperor Jones' (Lucille Award-nomination) and 'Othello' (Lucille and Obie Awards).

- by Dom O'Hanlon