By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Posted 05-14-09

 

 

Expect lots of old standards with great lyrics by great composers if you plan to hear Leslie Uggams sing on Friday and Saturday at the Southern Theatre.

 

The appearance by the Emmy and Tony winning performer is billed as One Sophisticated Lady and is part of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's Great American Songbook series.

 

The orchestra will do the first half of the show on its own before bringing out Uggams for the second half, Artistic Director Byron Stripling said. The first half will feature blues and an original composition by saxophonist Chase Potter, a student at West Jefferson High School and winner of this year's competition to perform with the orchestra.

 

Uggams said that she performs in a lot of concerts, but is looking forward to the one with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra because "It's great when you can do something with Big Band."

 

Stripling said the Songbook series has gained traction by featuring the works of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers, but it's not just about great composers.

 

"To add someone like Leslie to that mix is important; she is an historic figure," he said.

 

It's an honor to have someone in the series who has broken many racial barriers on television and the stage, Stripling said.

 

Though aware of her being one of the first African-Americans to have here own TV show, "I think of Leslie Uggams as all things Broadway," he said.

 

Because Uggams came along in an era without lights, lip-synching and other current production tricks, she had to approach the audience with style, beauty and sophistication.

 

And the ability to sing in place.

 

"If you want to hear someone stand flat-footed and sing, you want to hear Leslie Uggams," Stipling said.

 

On television, on stage and in person, the New York native has impressed audiences with her singing and acting since early childhood.

 

Many followers remember her as a songstress on Sing Along with Mitch and her own musical variety TV show, others from her performance in Roots, and yet others, from Hallelujah, Baby! and King Hedley II. Her recent credits also include revivals of On Golden Pond and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

 

Her stage work continues to add to her list of accomplishments

 

"We had a triumphant run in California doing Stormy Weather," Uggams said.

for the musical biography of singer Lena Horne to move to Broadway in 2010 when a theater becomes available, Uggams said in a recent phone interview with YourNewsColumbus.

 

Her excitement about the part is manifold.

 

"No. 1, Lena Horne. She's a fascinating woman. It's a great opportunity to play her. She's

someone I have admired since I was a kid and I wanted to do it."

 

Uggams went on to receive a Tony after succeeding Horne as the lead in Hallelujah, Baby!

 

She said there are many younger performers who "get it" in terms of staying in show business for the long haul, but gave special mention to Beyonce.

 

"I'm a Beyonce fan.," Uggams said. "I like the way she is handling her career."

 

Having the right support system helps safeguard young performers from those who might not have their best interests at heart, Uggams said.

 

"When I was very young my father worked three jobs so my mother could be with me," Uggams said.

 

Tickets cost $38-$50. For details, call (614) 431-3600.