[AKA2D '91]

New Brunswick, NJ

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Freda Payne will play the title role
of
Ella Fitzgerald in the world premiere musical production at Crossroads
Theatre in December. As an accomplished chanteuse whose musical tastes
span the range from Miles Davis to Motown, Payne is remarkable for her
versatility and is equally at home performing with a symphony or an
intimate
jazz trio. In Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song Payne will bring to
the stage the
role ofthe diva she has long admired.

This musical production was conceived by Maurice Hines who is also
choreographing and directing the Crossroads show. Hines was inspired
to
write a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald after working with her and hearing
first hand the story of her life. In what Hines describes as a labor
of
love, Ella fulfills his promise to the jazz singer and the musical play
will delve into the many aspects of her rich and complex life.

Although best known for her gold record single Band of Gold, the
multi-talented Freda Payne's career includes theater, Broadway, concert
stage and film. Like Ella Fitzgerald, Payne's first major break came at
the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem when Quincy Jones invited her
to perform as a soloist. Payne's ever-expanding repertoire includes
roles
in the award winning musical Blues in the Night and performing with
Maurice Hines and Savion Glover in the national touring production of
Jelly's Last Jam. Freda has also starred in the Broadway production of
Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, Ain't Misbehavin' and the
Tony Award winning Hallelujah Baby.


Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song runs from December 3-19. For
tickets
and additional information, call 732-545-8100.