Red Hot Mama

Sophie Tucker was a star for nearly seven decades, from 1903 until her death in 1966, rising to the heights of stardom in Tin Pan Alley, Burlesque, Ragtime, and Vaudeville. By the early 1920s, she was internationally known as 'The Queen of Jazz, ' and toured England and Europe extensively. Eventually conquering Broadway, Radio and much later TV, her longevity as a star is nearly unprecedented in show business history. This new musical tells the true story of Sophie Tucker's life and remarkable career, exploring the highs and lows of her life in the theatre, as well as her relationships with three husbands, and with her son and family, as well as with her longtime piano player Teddy Shapiro. Written for three people to perform, the musical incorporates into its score all of the songs that Sophie Tucker made most famous during her long and legendary career. As much an historian as playwright, Ashton wrote the first and original draft of RED HOT MAMA and its subsequent screenplay adaptation in 1987. However, as his research continued, he rewrote these scripts countless times. He is delighted that this definitive version of his musical play is finally ready for publication.