Whether male, female, young, old, black or white, Lorraine is extraordinary as she morphs with astonishing ease between characters.

But its when she channels the great Louis Armstrong for a rousing duet with Jackson on When the Saints Go Marching In that Lorraine stops the show and leaves the audience in awe.

Backing up the multitalented actresses is an electrifying four-piece ensemble led by Helen Hayes Award winner William Knowles on piano, Tony Addison on drums, Yusef Chisholm on bass and David Cole on guitar.

Danny Holgate, longtime conductor and arranger for Cab Calloway, scores the musical arrangements that provide the authentic blues club atmosphere.

Putting the finishing touches on the crowd pleasing production are two-time Emmy winner Marilyn A. Wall with her costumes, and Dale. F. Jordan, whose set and lighting design effortlessly transforms the intimate theater into a multitude of cities and eras.

Due to a previous commitment, there will be a casting change on February 7, when Jackson will be replaced by Torontos Jackie Richardson.

Richardson broke box office records and received the Dora Mavor Award (Canadas Tony) for her portrayal of Hunter and recently received Canadian Equitys prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

With this production of Cookin, Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin has reached a new level of success in bringing such a gifted and talented cast and crew to the Alexandria stage.

Cookin at the Cookery is a musical tribute to an extraordinary woman who not only survived but triumphed over the Jim Crow era. It is a story that transcends races and generations, and without a doubt should be on everyones must see list.

If youre going

Cookin at the Cookery is playing now through March 9 at MetroStage, 1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria. For tickets or more information, call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org