Stage star Yvette Cason embodies the great 20th century vocalist in Ella—the Musical. By michael butler

Acclaimed performer Yvette Cason gave a preview of Ella—the Musical at an April event at the Lesher Center.

24 diablo arts enter REP kicks honored to play Ella Fitzgerald. I have production to the International Tour to the off its 2013/2014 been an admirer of her music for a very movie. Was that your first Broadway gig? season with a long time. My vocal teacher introduced YC: Yes, Dreamgirls was my first Broad- musical about the me to her music, and I immediately fell way production. It was such a blessing to great vocalist Ella in love with her tone, vocal phrasing, and have worked with the brilliant Michael Fitzgerald. The of course her scatting. I attended Berklee Bennett and Michael Peters. To be in the company’s artistic College of Music in Boston where I spent movie was magical, something I could have director Michael Butler knew that the key a lot of time listening to and performing never imagined. I also was on Broadway to producing a show about the legendary jazz music, especially Ella. While tour- with the musical Play On directed by Sheldon vocalist was having the right person lined ing Europe with a trio one summer break, Epps, which was the story of Twelfth Night up to play Ella. we were invited to perform at the famous with Duke Ellington’s music. I got to sing “It’s simply too difficult a role to sing, Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and scat in that show. not to mention a major cultural figure to where I had the honor of meeting Ms. MB: That must have been so gratifying enact,” says Butler. Butler and director Fitzgerald. Needless to say that will always because your early training at the Berklee Robert Barry Fleming agreed that Yvette be one of the many highlights of my life. College of Music was in jazz, but you have Cason was the perfect player for the part. MB: Ms. Fitzgerald was famous for her this amazing musical theatre background Cason performed on Broadway (Dream- ability to scat. Most of us kind of know as well. Did you start out thinking you girls), at the White House, and with Stevie what scatting is, but not really—could you would be a jazz vocalist and then get Wonder. Butler and Fleming had already talk about that a bit? hooked by theatre? worked with Cason on an original blues YC: Ooh, I love to scat! Scatting is vocal YC: I knew that I wanted to be a singer, musical, and knew she could blow the improvisation using nonsense syllables. write songs, and be a recording artist at an roof off any joint. Here, Butler and Cason Although freestyle, the scat singing is early age. Theatre presented itself when my discuss the great Ella Fitzgerald, as well as done within the melodic lines of the song, vocal coach, who I had studied with many Cason’s incredible career. incorporating tempo, musical structure, years before and after college, suggested I Michael Butler: Yvette, you are both and riffs. The choice of scat syllables can go to New York and audition for Dream- a musical theatre actress who’s performed be used to reflect the sounds of different girls. I’m so glad I did! I had no idea that on Broadway and an accomplished jazz instruments like a sax to a trumpet. Ella this wonderful musical was going to help vocalist as well. And I know you are a great is considered to be one of the greatest scat shape my career and me as a performer. admirer of Ella Fitzgerald. How does it feel singers in jazz history. I love the theatre. I love to sing and act. to take on the First Lady of Song? MB: You have quite a relationship with Musical theatre gives me the opportunity

opposite ben page: krantz; this courtesy page; of yvette cason Yvette Cason: I am elated, and I am Dreamgirls, from the original Broadway to do both.

diablo arts 25 MB: Ok, so you’re on Broadway in Dreamgirls—how do you sing the enor- mously difficult “And I Am Telling You” 8 times a week?! YC: I remember watching Jennifer Hol- liday sing that song and thinking the same thing. It’s the big number in the show. The first time I sang it I was emotionally and physically drained. My years of vocal training helped a lot. Vocal placement, breathing, and pace were key. It wasn’t the easiest song to sing, but it helped make my voice stronger and more resilient, helping to prepare me for my future work in musi- cal theatre. MB: Our show, Ella—the Musical is so much more than a concert show. It uses memory and music to tell Ella’s story. What are some of the things you hope au- diences learn or take away from seeing it? YC: Audiences will, of course, come to the show because of their love and appreci- ation for Ella the singer and her music, but I hope they leave with a greater apprecia- tion for her as a musician. She was more than just a singer. Her tone, melodic phras- ings, and her impeccable scatting definitely set her apart from most singers. Her band knew it and respected her for it. I hope the audience leaves knowing a little more about Ella the person too. MB: You’ve sang at the White House— PPririooririttiesies that’s not your everyday gig! Was it as “ When you are our client, you’re interesting as it sounds? treated as though your business YC: Yes, it was very exciting and inter- is our business. Your requests esting. Another one of those unforgettable are our top priority. After all, moments of my career. At the time of my where would we be without you? invitation, Ronald Reagan was president, and I had just been crowned Ms. DC I’m proud of our business Black America, representing the District philosophy – simply put, of Columbia. The Kennedy Center and it is - Place the client first - the White House were honoring the jazz the rest will follow . . .” vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. I sang “My Funny Valentine.” MB: We are so lucky Yvette, to have you share your gifts with us here, in this show. Colleen Benatar Thank you! VP/Relationship Banker [email protected] 925.944.0180 ext. 215 what: Ella—the Musical when: September 6–October 12 where: Margaret Lesher Theatre tickets: $37–$57 info: (925) 943-SHOW (7469) or lesherARTScenter.org

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