Nominated for a Tony Award as Best Musical of 1981, the Broadway show Sophisticated Ladies is now playing to near-capacity audiences at the Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs.

It consists entirely of the greatest hits of Duke Ellington - there is no plot or dialog.

There is a cast of 11 people, who sing and tapdance their way through such memorable tunes as Satin Doll, Take the "A" Train, It Don't Mean a Thing and Don't Get Around Much Anymore. The audience, mostly over 70, were pleased to hear the music of their youth performed on stage.

While all the cast members sang very well, I thought Christopher Patterson gave the vocals the best treatment, most reminiscent of the way in which they were originally performed. The languid tone of In A Sentimenal Mood was also set very well by Ziarra Washington. Perhaps that comes from her fact she was born and raised in Harlem where Ellington's music achieved the success that became a worldwide sensation in the 30s.

It's all here- tap dancing, scat singing and a dramatic Art Deco set design by David Torres. If you like Ellington's music, this is the show for you.

Visit the website for details of upcoming performances: stagedoortheater.com