John Douglas Thompson gives a very strong, quite convincing performance playing two dynamic characters in Satchmo at the Waldorf by Terry Teachout. Thompson plays trumpet player/singer Louis Armstrong, about to perform his last gig at age seventy, and his manager, Joe Glaser, deftly switching voice, physicality and tone from distinct character to distinct character as Armstrong’s life and career are revealed, from poor New Orleans boy to major star to his conflict with Glaser. Other characters in this solo include Miles Davis, who mocked Satchmo, calling him an “Uncle Tom.” There are many references to familiar Civil Rights action and much about discrimination.
Thompson is a really good actor, and worth seeing. The only thing missing is that Thompson doesn’t sing or play the trumpet, so, good as he is at conveying the personality and emotions of Armstrong and the others, the music isn’t there, and without the sound there is really no Louis Armstrong.
