A red hot mama

Kelli Bocock Natale is Sophie Tucker in MusicalFare Theatre's "Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas," being performed at the Irish Classical Theatre June 1-24.

A rollicking tribute to vaudevillian singer and comic Sophie Tucker returns to the area after almost three years.

MusicalFare Theatre's production of "Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas" will be on stage June 1-24 at the Irish Classical Theatre.

The production was originally produced in November and December of 2004 at MusicalFare, and is as warm and heartfelt as it is outrageously flirtatious and bawdy.

"Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas," by Jack Fournier and Kathy Halenda, stars Kelli Bocock Natale (ARTIE award winner for Outstanding Actress) as Tucker, the big, brassy "Last of the Red-Hot Mamas." Lisa Ann Ludwig also earned an ARTIE for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for the production .

Supporting the cast are choreographer John Fredo, music director John Farugia, set designer Chris Schenk, lighting and sound designer Chris Cavanagh and stage manager Michelle Eisen.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Andrews Theatre, 625 Main St., Buffalo.

Tickets are $35 general, and $30 for seniors. A discounted price is available for both ICTC and MusicalFare subscribers. For tickets, call 853-4282 or visit www.irishclassicaltheatre.com.