Journey of a Bombshell: The Ina Ray Hutton Story

Melissa Ritz shines in her portrayal of Ina Ray Hutton! Hutton, who's career began at the age of 8 singing and dancing in stage revues, had a remarkable 40 plus year career in entertainment as a singer, dancer, actor, and big band conductor. She employed the unusual technique of singing and dancing while simultaneously conducting her bands, working with both all-male and all-female groups. The band often played to the rhythm of her dancing. She appeared in movies, including a starring role in a musical by Columbia, and had her own television show in Los Angeles for several years. The very existence of this play begs the question: "Why don't we know more about Ina Ray Hutton?" A good question. Melissa Ritz doesn't answer this inquiry, but d... full review

my review of this wonderful show is online http://www.haineshisway.com/2015/06/journey-of-a-bombshell-the-ina-ray-hutton-story-reviewed-by-rob-stevens/... full review

All I knew going in was that Ina Ray Hutton led a unique all-girl band, shortly Before My Time---but when I emerged 1-1/4 hours later, I knew (almost) All About Ina, including that she "passed for white" (a quaint 20th-century social phenomenon)! The story of Melissa Ritz would make a good solo show of its own (she's an ex-Air Force Sgt!), but she's really done her homework about Ina Ray and her solo turn is constantly compelling. Not only does she have costumes and clips (black-and-white newsreel) but she's a solid singer and dancer herself, and peppers the narrative with pop-song material of that long-ago period! Bravo to Melissa---but where was the audience she deserved? ... full review

for 1 person to do so many characters, beautiful singing voice, and tap dancing as well, multi talented! Thoroughly enjoyed the show, well done story from age 8 through adulthood, learned a lot about Ina Ray Hutton. outstanding performance from Melissa! Go see this show if you get a chance, you wont be disappointed!... full review

Want to see a terrific show about a woman way ahead of her time, performed by an actress whose skills are as stellar as her energy level is high? Catch Melissa Ritz’s one-woman show about undeservedly obscure big band era luminary and TV pioneer Ina Ray Hutton. The exposition is kept to a minimum in the well-honed script; Ritz’s acting chops are equally sharp, crisply characterizing a variety of supporting characters, notably Ina’s mother and music publisher Irving Mills, whose genius idea it was to have Ina Ray front a band. Julie Kline’s attentive direction and Tony Coppola & Shelby Kaufman’s choreography add immeasurably to Ritz’s snappy stage presence.... full review