Photo Flash: First Look at Jeremy Giraud Abram as LOUIS ARMSTRONG: JAZZ AMBASSADOR at Theater 3

Making Books Sing (MBS), the critically acclaimed New York-based non-profit that promotes children's literacy and social development through professional Theater Productions and arts-in-education programs will, in conjunction with The Louis Armstrong House Museum and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College presents the world-premiere, Off-Broadway musical Louis Armstrong: JAZZ AMBASSADOR with book by Myla Churchill (MBS's "A Band of Angels") and featuring music made famous by Louis Armstong. The show is now playing Theater 3 (311 West 43rd Street) in Manhattan. Get a first look at Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong in the photos below!

Back in the fifties, when the United States had a diplomatic mission of utmost importance, it deployed its supersonic weapon, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. Known worldwide for his toothy grin, fun-loving personality and the brass brilliance of his jazz cornet, nobody spread the gospel of goodwill towards men quite like Ambassador Satch. Until nine little children from Little Rock, Arkansas are denied admission to school and Louis is forced to question, is American equality for all?

Carlos Armesto directs and Jeremy Giraud Abram stars in the title role in Louis Armstrong: JAZZ AMBASSADOR.

In addition to its run at Theater 3, Louis Armstrong: JAZZ AMBASSADOR will be presented at the Kupferberg Center for the Performing Arts at Queens College in January 2013 and Stanford Lively Arts in Stanford, CA in March 2013. After which it will tour schools throughout the New York City area.

Making Books Sing began in 1996 as a program of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Vineyard Theatre, which Krieger founded in 1981 and led until 2002. Making Books Sing is the only theater company of its kind dedicated to combining literacy with the performing arts by creating professional theatre works based on contemporary children's books from diverse cultures. Making Books Sing has reached over 100,000 school-aged children and their families with its musical productions based on books such as: BEAUTIFUL WARRIOR, BIRD WOMAN: THE STORY OF SACAJAWEA, A BAND OF ANGELS, THE ORPHAN SINGER, THE BUTTERFLY, A SHELTER IN OUR CAR, Jose Limon: The Making of an Artist, TEA WITH CHACHAJI and SKY BOYS: THE BUILDING OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. Up next at Making Books Sing will be WANDA'S MONSTER from April 15 through May 5 at Theatre 3, and will feature music and lyrics by Kindie rock sensation Laurie Berkner (The Laurie Berkner Band) and book by Making Books Sing Artistic Director Barbara Zinn Krieger (MBS's THE BUTTERFLY, SKY BOYS).

Scheduled November 3rd through November 18th, Louis Armstrong JAZZ AMBASSADOR will perform Fridays at 7:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm & 7:00pm, and Sundays 3:00pm & 6:00pm at Theater 3 (311 West 43rd Street) in Manhattan. Tickets are $20 Adults; $15 Children and can be purchased online at www.MakingBooksSing.org or by calling 866-811-4111.

For more information about Louis Armstrong: JAZZ AMBASSADOR or Making Books Sing, visit www.MakingBooksSing.org.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong

Jeremy Giraud Abram as Louis Armstrong