LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL To Play Ivoryton Playhouse

Ivoryton Playhouse continues its 2026 season with Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, the powerful and intimate portrait of jazz legend Billie Holiday. Previews begin May 7, opening night is May 8, and the production runs through May 31.

Set in a small Philadelphia nightclub in 1959, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill captures one of Billie Holiday's final performances. Through unforgettable songs and raw, unfiltered storytelling, Holiday reflects on her life, her loves, and the struggles that shaped her artistry. Featuring many of her most iconic songs, including “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit,” the play offers an evening that is as musically rich as it is emotionally compelling.

Starring Broadway alum Christina Acosta Robinson* (Summer: The Donna Summer Musical) as Billie Holiday, the production brings to life the vulnerability, wit, and brilliance of one of America's most influential voices. She is joined by actor-musician Manny Houston* as Jimmy Powers, Holiday's accompanist and confidant, who also serves as Music Director. The live band features Jocelyn Pleasant on drums and Eneji Alungbe on upright bass, creating an authentic, intimate jazz club atmosphere inside the Playhouse.

Todd L. Underwood serves as the Director, with Scenic and Lighting Designer Marcus Abbott, Sound Designer Rhian Franchebois, Props Designer Kat Schorn, Costume Designer Sean Spina, Audio Engineer Brian Salvia, Stage Manager James Joseph Clark*, and Assistant Stage Manager Holly Price. The creative team is joined by Tinika Sadiku as the Wig Associate, and Nikiya Mathis as Wig Designer, who made Broadway history in 2024 as the first hair and wig designer to receive a Special Tony Award for her work on Best Play Nominee Jaja's African Hair Braiding.

This production contains mature themes and language consistent with the life and experiences of Billie Holiday.