Review: LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL at Actors Theatre Of Louisville

Deidrie Henry in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill at Actors Theatre, 2017. Photo by Bill Brymer.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL

By Lanie Robertson

Directed by Bill Fennelly

Review By Taylor Clemons

Entire contents copyright © 2017 Taylor Clemons. All rights reserved.

The legend herself, Miss Billie Holiday has once again taken the stage, in the form of the insanely talented Diedrie Henry.

When Actors Theater of Louisville announced their current season a few months ago, undoubtedly I was most looking forward to LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL. I had sadly missed the last Broadway revival, so I was so extremely happy that I was going to be able to see a world class professional production right in my own backyard. While I was excited, I was weary that anyone could match the incredible talents of Audra McDonald, Actors has found an enormous talent in one Diedrie Henry. For those who might not know, the show takes place at Emerson's Bar and Grill; a Jazz Club in South Philadelphia in March 1959. She show itself is meant to be a time capsule of sorts. The audience is transported back in time to one of Lady Day's final concert performances. Throughout the night, Billie sings many songs from her incredible repertoire, all the while divulging personal information about her tragic life up to that moment.

Diedrie Henry as Billie Holiday is, in a word, sublime. She takes this incredibly juicy character and effectively makes the audience feel joy, grief, and everything in between. Her voice, showing undeniable characteristics of Billie Holiday is one of it's own. Never coming across as an impression, but rather an homage to Lady Day. Henry takes the audience on one of the most rousing rollercoaster rides. Starting the show in good spirits, as the night progresses, we can see the intricate unraveling of one of the most distinct performers of all time. Particular highlights for me included "God Bless the Child", "Strange Fruit", and monologues about her first husband, and an unfortunate outcome in a bathroom dispute, all of which earned rousing applause and respect from the opening night audience.

The show, however, would be nothing without it's incredible band, lead by Abdul Hamid Royal who while also serving as Music Director, plays Jimmy Powers who was Miss Holiday's music director at the time the show takes place. Royal and the band match Henry all the way through the show, never once missing a beat.

The set by Michael Schweikardt transforms the Bingham Theater into Emerson's Bar and Grill seamlessly and effectively. I must also mention the fabulous costumes by Raquel Barreto. They even more deeply accent the character of Billie Holiday.

Overall, I absolutely adored this production. Henry's breathtaking performances as one of entertainment's most tortured souls is worth the price of admission. She gives us a unique look into the psyche of a woman who while adored by all, seemed never truly happy. The show is playing most of January, and I think anyone would be crazy not to rush down to Actors Theatre and catch this must amazing production. I personally haven't had enough, and hope to catch the show at least once more before it packs up at the end of this month.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL January 3, 2017 - January 29, 2017

Actors Theatre of Louisville

316 W. Main Street

Louisville, KY 40202

Tickets: (502) 584- 1205

actorstheatre.org

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