VIDEO: Audra McDonald Chats 'LADY DAY'; Performs Two Numbers on 'Colbert'

By: May. 01, 2014
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Tony-winning singer Audra McDonald stopped by last night's The Colbert Report to chat about her Broadway role as Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill." The actress just received a Tony nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Play for her starring role.

And in a bonus 'Colbert' web exclusive, McDonald takes the stage as Billie Holiday with performances of "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "God Bless the Child" from the musical.

Check out the appearance below!

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill stars five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald under the direction of Lonny Price (110 in the Shade, A Class Act), began previews Tuesday, March 25, 2014, with an officially opened on Sunday, April 13, 2014. Tickets are now available through on sale through August 10, via Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200, or at the box office of Circle in the Square.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill recounts Holiday's life story through the songs that made her famous. 1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her life. Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time shares her loves and her losses.

Among the songs that will be performed: "God Bless the Child," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," "Strange Fruit" and "Taint Nobody's Biz-ness."

Frequent collaborators Lonny Price and Audra McDonald have been developing and working on Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill for more than two years. The intimate setting of the Circle in The Square provides a unique theatrical experience, drawing audiences - especially those seated at the tables onstage - into the performance.

On Broadway, Price directed McDonald in 110 in the Shade for the Roundabout Theatre Company. He also directed her in both Sweeney Todd with the New York Philharmonic in 2000 andPassion as part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook series, the latter of which was telecast on PBS's Live From Lincoln Center.

The production features scenic design by James Noone, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Robert Wierzel, and sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill will be produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, and Jessica Genick who will be joined by Ronald Frankel, Rebecca Gold, Roger Berlind, Ken Greiner, and Will Trice.



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