Ella the Ungovernable NYC Reviews and Tickets

79%

(5 Ratings)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Clever, Great acting, Thought-provoking, Entertaining, Absorbing

About the Show

A story of resilience. Ella Fitzgerald’s brave escape from an abusive reform school in 1933.

“Ella The Ungovernable” tells the gripping true story of 15-year-old Ella Fitzgerald’s incarceration and escape from The New York Training School For Girls in 1933. After moving to Yonkers, NY, from Virginia during The Great Northern Migration, Ella’s life took a tragic turn when her mother died in a car accident. Left in the custody of her mother’s abusive boyfriend, she was soon sent to a neglectful aunt in Harlem and eventually ended up living on the streets, where she was arrested and sent to the notorious Training School.

The majority of the play’s action takes place at The Training School, infamous in the 1920s for the physical and sexual abuse of its inmates. “Ella The Ungovernable” vividly portrays how Ella and her fellow inmates survived and endured the harsh conditions, highlighting their resilience and strength. The play delves deep into the struggles they faced and their determination to overcome them.

At its core, “Ella The Ungovernable” is a powerful narrative about perseverance and hope. With a message of “don’t ever, ever give up,” the play serves as a rallying cry for modern audiences, particularly in these anxiety-ridden times. Viewers will leave the performance feeling enlivened, uplifted, and empowered, inspired by Ella’s incredible journey and indomitable spirit.

Show-Score Member Reviews (5)

80%

Absorbing, Clever, Great Acting, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if Interesting story abt early mostly unknown years of jazz great Ella Fitzgerald. Great acting & singing by all. This is a play, not a musical

Don't see it if Pace needed to be picked up a bit between the actors & transitions. Too many transitions. Needed a cut or 2, but still very enjoyable.

73%

Clever, Disappointing, Entertaining, Overrated

See it if One of the better shows I have seen at theater for the new city. Life measures of Ella Fitzgerald.

Don't see it if Gets a little slow, but otherwise pretty good.

79%

Great Acting, Great Singing, Intense, Slow, Thought-Provoking

See it if you would like to know about the difficult life Ella Fitzgerald had before she made her first appearance at the Apollo Theater at age 15.

Don't see it if you are bothered by a lot of short scenes with pauses in the action. This is on a minimal set with uneven acting. This is not a musical.

95%

Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining, Inspiring, Uplifting

See it if You want to learn something new about Ella, a good relatable story, w/believable characters. Very inspiring and entertaining.

Don't see it if You are expecting a musical, it’s a play that sheds light on the hard yet inspiring early life of the infamous and delightful Ella Fitzgerad Read more

80%

Absorbing, Clever, Great Writing, Refreshing, Thought-Provoking

See it if The play follows the harsh life of a 15-year-old Ella Fitzgerald from abuse 2 incarceration 2 her 1st debut @ the Apollo in 1934.*

Don't see it if Not too many songs here:this is a play,not a musical w/an orchestra. A-Tisket, A-Tasket perf by a grt C Neal was the cherry on the cake tho. Read more

Critic Reviews (2)

"interesting speculative fiction...one would imagine that this is not its final form"
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"This production, 'Ella the Ungovernable' left viewers moved and inspired"
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Trailer

Creative team

Theater for the New City