Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter

Book by Stevie Holland, with Gary William Friedman

Arrangements and Additional Music by Gary William Friedman

Starring Paula Broadwater

Directed by Ann Morrison

Music Directed by Michael Raabe 

A SaraSolo Production

In this tour-de-force one-woman show, Linda Lee Thomas (Mrs. Cole Porter), candidly recounts, through song and story, her life’s journey with Cole Porter. Though Porter was gay, their companionship and love lasted through 35 years of marriage and a spectacular, glamour-filled life. With innovative arrangements, the timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter weave through the compelling narrative of Love, Linda, examining the darker sides of their life, while also celebrating the deep love that blossomed through their unconventional relationship.

A seasoned performer in musical theatre, Paula Broadwater made her 2015 Tampa Bay stage debut in St. Pete Opera’s production of Putting It Together for which the Tampa Bay Times noted that she “capitalized on a long background in musicals to own this stage.” She has played numerous supporting roles with SPO and entertained audiences in a variety of musical genres and styles. Other regional theatre leading role credits include The Light in the Piazza and Hello, Dolly! She played the role of Norma Desmond in Eight O’Clock Theatre’s Sunset Boulevard. Paula loves the art form of cabaret and has written/co-produced with Ann Morrison You Are What You Think and & ’Til Somebody Cares both of which were showcased in the SaraSolo Festival in Sarasota.

LOVE, LINDA (THE LIFE OF MRS. COLE PORTER) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.