Ella Fitzgerald: A legacy kept alive in theater

Those who take classes at the center are required to practice all of the disciplines, even if they are only interested in singing or acting. The idea is for the students to be well rounded as Fitzgerald was, Sumner says. 

“We don't want the children being trained on her stage and not know anything,” she says. “To me, it would be very embarrassing to be raised on Ella’s stage and then go to New York to go to an audition and not know how to do an audition.” 

A select group of local artist have formed Ella's Pearl, an ensemble that pays tribute to Fitzgerald and Pearl Bailey, Sumner says. The two were childhood friends from Newport News.

The 12-person ensemble will be led by Queen Esther Marrow, the internationally acclaimed soul and gospel singer, and will perform locally as well as nationally in honor of the Newport News natives.

The entire program takes influence from Fitzgerald’s work ethic and approach, Sumner says. She was never late for a performance, nor did she ever miss a show. In fact, she outlasted most of her band members when they went on tour, touring about 50 weeks a year. The students are expected to demonstrate their commitment to the craft.

The center's instructors are trained by top professionals and organizing master classes led by renowned artists, Sumner says.

“With the way that the kids are being raised, you get a snapshot of what it is to be properly raised in the arts,” she says.

Musicians and fans from all over visit the venue. Sumner recalls one couple from England who traveled to the US just to see the theater.

Fitzgerald’s legacy continues to inspire artists both locally and from all over the music industry. Many musicians gather in honor of the “First Lady of Song” at the annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival, held in Newport News. The festival has featured performers who have worked with or taken influence from her, including Aretha Franklin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Jane Monheit. This year, R&B singer Freddie Jackson will perform at the festival. 

While Fitzgerald's legacy has special meaning to the Newport News community, Sumner says, the iconic artist left her mark all over the world.

"We admire Ms. Fitzgerald a great deal in Newport News, and the city of Newport News is committed to honoring her in the way that she should [be honored]," she says. "There are cities across the country that honor Ella in their own way, too."

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