I’m en route to Manhattan for the first time since just before Hurricane Sandy came calling–and snow was falling on Connecticut mere minutes after my train pulled out of Hartford. Once I reached New Haven, I learned that my connecting train was an hour late. By the time I finally get to my apartment, I’ll have about enough time to open my accumulated snail mail before turning around and heading down to Times Square to see the last press preview of Annie.
That’s the bad news. The good news was more than adequately summed up in the press release that I found in my e-mailbox a few minutes ago:
NEW HAVEN–Long Wharf Theatre’s production of Satchmo at the Waldorf has become the biggest hit in the history of the theatre’s Stage II.
The show, written by Terry Teachout, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein, and starring John Douglas Thompson, has become the highest grossing play since Stage II opened during the 1977-78 season. The play has brought in more single ticket sales than the 2008-09 season production of Hughie, starring Brian Dennehy. Ranking third on the list is Dennehy again, appearing in Krapp’s Last Tape during the 2011-12 season.
Final performances run through November 11. Tickets are still available at www.longwharf.org and by calling 203-787-4282.
“We are extremely grateful to the audience for their support of this production,” said Managing Director Josh Borenstein. “Every night, we hear words of praise from our patrons, which is an extraordinarily gratifying feeling.”
“John Douglas Thompson’s portrayal of beloved jazz great Louis Armstrong is one of the indelible performances in the 48-year history of Long Wharf Theatre. His exhilarating tour de force that navigates between the aging trumpeter and his predatory white Jewish manager Joe Glaser has been a marvel to behold. What a joy to have been associated with this project,” said Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.
As for me, I’m proud, but also humbled. I never expected Satchmo to do remotely this well, and I don’t need to be told that it wouldn’t have done so without John, Gordon, and my other colleagues at Long Wharf and Shakespeare & Company. Theater is a collaborative art. I’ve been blessed with the best collaborators imaginable. Thank you, dear friends.
Now, on to Philadelphia!