Broadway veteran Andrea Frierson celebrates the late great singer Ella Fitzgerald in this solo musical. More…
Set against the restless backdrop of the 20th century and the lush serenity of the Ella Fitzgerald songbook, 'Ella & Me' is a valentine to the "First Lady of Song." Ms. Frierson's personal storytelling and song stylings provide a loving glimpse into why Ella's music, heart, and determination to overcome the challenges in her life and career continue to inspire. Part of the York’s New2NY series, which provides a stage between developmental lab and full production.
See it if you enjoy great singing. MAE is more of a concert than a piece of theater. Andrea weaves her story and Ella's bio, not always successfully.
Don't see it if you want coherent story-telling. The 2 threads get tangled. Songs are mostly wonderful, but not all. Selection should be carefully weighed.
Also I had a really fun evening. Andrea Frierson is talented and charming. ... Read more Read less
See it if Wonderful music by Andrea F. and jazz trio. Good portrayal of Ella. Parallel story of a young woman following in Ella's footsteps.
Don't see it if The story is disjointed, the bio too worshipful, and the characters are shallow with little conflict or struggle. Music-A. Story-C.
See it if you wish to see a very talented singer perform Ella's songs while telling about Ella's life and her own life.
Don't see it if you wanted to see someone sing in Ella's style and not her own. Also I got confused between her telling Ella's story then switching to hers.
Also The singing is excellent but I was disappointed that she concentrated ... Read more Read less
See it if The only reason not to see this is you're deaf. It's a great evening!
Don't see it if You're deaf, otherwise I can't think of a reason not to.
See it if you're interested in Ella and how she inspired a younger generation. The juxtaposition of Frierson's and Ella's stories works nicely.
Don't see it if you're looking for a finished production - Frierson is on book, per Equity contract, & she looks like she's performing in rehearsal clothes.
Also It was explained to the audience that this work is still evolving and ... Read more Read less
See it if you're a fan of Ella and want to spend 90 minutes with Andrea Frierson and her lovely voice.
Don't see it if you need to see a finished production. This show, as advertised, has not yet been frozen..
See it if you enjoy great music & excellent singing. Expected to be entertained by one of my fave performers from 80s Star Search, & I DEFINITELY was.
Don't see it if you don't understand York Theatre's New2NY program (see below). Script needs work but there's MUCH promise for clearer & more concise flow.
Also As stated on their site, "The New2NY Series presents simply-staged con... Read more Read less
See it if you want to hear great songs by a great singer telling a dual story about her life and how Ella influenced her life in a flawed story line.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy 1 person shows with songs thrown in between a back and forth story about the author and Ella's bio.
See it if You like to hear the backstory of a singer's upbringing with parallels to a legendary star combined with brilliant interpretations of songs
Don't see it if Concert performances bore you
See it if You want to see a cabaret show.The narrative was very weak. This woman is a performer - not a writer - clearly.
Don't see it if You expect to learn about EF. Ella somehow got lost in this show. Skillful singing but not much heart to it.
See it if You want a night out with great music and singing. Andrea & the trio of musicians were wonderful. Learned so much about Ella from this piece
Don't see it if If you want to see a polished show. It's still a work in progress & it's explained at the beginning. If you don't like jazz, stay home.
See it if You would like to hear a great singer singing the songs and telling the life of Ella Fitzgerald.
Don't see it if You don't like Ella's music.
See it if You like a small, intimate show with good music.
Don't see it if You don't like Ella's Fitzgerald, need a show with elaborate staging, or don't like 1 person shows.
See it if If you are a jazz fan. If you would like to learn about Ella Fitzgerald and someone who was inspired by her.
Don't see it if If you don't like Ella
See it if You like a one woman musical. It's an homage to Ella but a personal story about the performer's life too. Songs enjoyable,porgy&Bess best
Don't see it if You want a super cohesive polished show. It's a self described musical in progress and has a nice weaving of stories.
See it if you like Ella Fitzgerald and want to know more about her and how she crossed paths with another performer.
Don't see it if you simply expect someone to be imitating Ms. Fitzgerald.
See it if you enjoy Ella's music
Don't see it if you are looking for a strong story line.
See it if you enjoy wonderful singing and story telling. This lady has a passion for Ella Fitzgerald and she expresses it in music.
Don't see it if you don't like jazz or the music of Ella Fitzgerald.
See it if You like the music of Ella Fitzgerald and can relate to a fan's appreciation. Some wonderful singing.
Don't see it if You like big scale musicals. This is an intimate production.
See it if you love the "American song book" and the First Lady of Song. See it if you want to be inspired and entertained.
Don't see it if you aren't interested in witnessing a new work in progress.
See it if The actress protraying the life of Ella Fitzgerald, did an amazing job. Would go back to see AGAIN.
Don't see it if Don't like Jazz music, or music by an iconic singer.
See it if I you like jazz, intimate performances
Don't see it if If you expect a big production
See it if you love Ella and want to learn about her story along with that of Andrea Frierson's, a wonderfully talented lady of song.
Don't see it if you are one of the few people who don't like Ella Fitzgerald and don't like autobiographical musical presentations by a seasoned performer.
See it if You like one-woman shows with solid singing and a great 3-piece band. The singer's voice was great in a few numbers but only good in others.
Don't see it if you want a polished show and a professional book. I felt that the mixing of Ella's story and the author's was not effective.
See it if You like Ella and older music sung by a professional
Don't see it if Older performances and fine singing is just not your thing