Artistic resident Maryna Harrison, Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting, Ella star Tina Fabrique, and director Rob Ruggiero chat at the show's first rehearsal
First reheasals are always exciting at Long Wharf Theatre, but perhaps none more so than for the first show of the season. It is the first time that everyone – production, administrative and artistic staffs – are back together after a (relatively) quiet summer.
The meet and greet, usually taking place over the first half-hour or so of the first rehearsal, is a time honored tradition at the theatre. The staff introduces themselves to the performers and designers en masses and then Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein usually says a few words about the play. The director, in the case of Ella, Rob Ruggiero, and the designers then contribute a few thoughts about what the production will look like. It is a great opportunity to welcome the theatre’s artist guest and to galvanize everyone on the monumental path of creating a play.
“I’ve always wanted to begin a season with great music,” Edelstein said. “America has exported many things, some great and some not so great. The one thing that is homegrown, that we’ve created and exported is the American songbook and American jazz. This is a celebration of that music.”
Director Rob Ruggiero described the show as “a musical portrait.” He, and virtually all of the production team and performers, have worked on the show since he first had the idea in 2004. “Everyone told me I was crazy,” Ruggiero said.
He was united with Tina Fabrique – who he describes as “his only Ella” – after seeing her work in Crowns at Hartford Stage. Fabrique auditioned with the song “How High The Moon.” “And that was it,” Ruggiero said.
Ella has been performed at 22 regional theatres across the nation and Ruggiero said they always wanted to do the show at Long Wharf Theatre. “We so believe in this story and in this music. We are grateful for Miss Ella looking over us,” Ruggiero said.
Shortly after that, the staff dispersed, the performers got to work and jazz music could be heard through the halls of the theatre.
Trumpeter Ron Haynes getting ready for first rehearsal