‘Queenie Pie’

Anna Bowen portrays Cafe O’Lay in Long Beach Opera’s “Queenie Pie,” a version that Times Music Critic Mark Swed says is the most ambitious effort yet at taking incomplete material by Duke Ellington and making it stage-worthy.  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Marie Richardson, center, seen at a dress rehearsal, is “a domineering, funny and moving Queenie” in the production at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, The Times’ Mark Swed writes.  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Marie Richardson, left, prepares for her role in a “Queenie Pie” production that The Times’ Mark Swed calls “engagingly staged and wonderfully sung.”  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Marie Richardson works with a fellow member of the “Queenie Pie” cast. The new arrangement is credited to trombonist Marc Bolin and Long Beach Opera conductor Jeffrey Lindberg and based on previous versions.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Long Beach Opera’s “Queenie Pie” resembles a Broadway musical in its use of songs, dances and dialogue.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Duke Ellington brought a light touch but serious intent to the show, The Times’ Mark Swed writes.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Marie Richardson is the center of attention in a “Queenie Pie” scene.  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Some of the cast of Long Beach Opera’s “Queenie Pie” prepare a scene.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Jeffrey Polk, left, who plays Witch Doctor, as pictured here, as well as Lil’ Daddy, works with Karen Marie Richardson.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Marie Richardson with Keithon Gipson, who The Times’ Mark Swed says is “a commanding figure” in his roles as King, pictured here, and Holt Faye.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Cafe O’Lay (Anna Bowen, third from left) with Witch Doctor (Jeffrey Polk) and Queenie Pie (Karen Marie Richardson).   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Anna Bowen, left, with Karen Marie Richardson. The Long Beach Opera effort is a co-production with Chicago Opera Theater, where it will be given next month.   (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Cast members prepare a scene from “Queenie Pie.”  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)