Ethics and the Theater: Satchmo at The Waldorf by Terry Teachout

Our long-running staged reading and talkback series continues on October 20 and October 22 with two performances of Terry Teachout’s Satchmo at The Waldorf:

SATCHMO AT THE WALDORF is a one-man, three-character play in which the same actor portrays Louis Armstrong, the greatest of all jazz trumpeters; Joe Glaser, his white manager; and Miles Davis, who admired Armstrong’s playing but disliked his onstage manner. It takes place in 1971 in a dressing room backstage at the Empire Room of New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where Armstrong performed in public for the last time four months before his death. Reminiscing into a tape recorder about his life and work, Armstrong seeks to come to terms with his longstanding relationship with Glaser, whom he once loved like a father but now believes to have betrayed him. In alternating scenes, Glaser defends his controversial decision to promote Armstrong’s career (with the help of the Chicago mob) by encouraging him to simplify his musical style, while Davis attacks Armstrong for pandering to white audiences.

After the performance, we’ll host a lively discussion of the ethical issues raised by the play.

Performed by C.K. Allen • Narrated by Bonnie Bean • Directed by Tai Thompson • Produced by Patricia Bruder Debrovner

Suggested Donation: Members $10; Non-Members $15

Purchase tickets on Eventbrite here!

COVID-19 Notice: Vaccination is required to attend. Masks are optional but strongly encouraged.