Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Revival 2014 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
90 minutes, with no intermission
Opened: April 13, 2014
Closing: October 05, 2014

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - 2014 - Broadway History , Info & More

Circle in the Square (Broadway)
1633 Broadway at 50th St. New York, NY

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill recounts Billie 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 lifetime. Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time shares her loves and her losses.


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - 2014 - Broadway Cast

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

'Lady Day' review: Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday
9 / 10

In Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, a late entry in the Broadway season, McDonald has taken on the task of impersonating a real person in what's virtually a solo show about the late jazz singer Billie Holiday, whose rough life story is almost as familiar as her distinctive sound...McDonald doesn't let Holiday wallow as she tells us, almost offhandedly, about her rape at 10, her prostitution at 14, the macabre death of her great-grandmother, a slave, and the racism that haunted her career. Long before we are shocked, yet again, by the haunting images of her great song about racism, 'Strange Fruit,' this amazing actress and this jazz icon are indivisible.

Review: Audra McDonald divinely channels Lady Day
9 / 10

It's sad without being maudlin, a history lesson without being preachy. It's earthy and seemingly honest. Since her death, Billie Holiday, who was raped and mistreated and jailed, has become a siren for singers, her tortured life and vocals too rich too pass up. McDonald does honor to her troubled spirit...As for the singing, it's a testament to McDonald, who has one of the strongest voices in musical theater, that she molds hers to fit Holiday's sound, whether it's in a subdued 'Crazy He Calls Me' or a sassy 'Baby Doll.' She manages to capture that smoky, peanut-buttery, sometimes staccato delivery. It's haunting. Close your eyes and Lady Day is back.

LADY DAY's Steve Canyon Kennedy Wins Best Sound Design of a Play Tony
by BWW Special Coverage - June 8, 2014


Steve Canyon Kennedy has won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Play for LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL. This is Steve Canyon Kennedy's second Tony nomination. He was previously nominated for Catch Me If You Can in 2011.

In the Spotlight Series: LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL's Audra McDonald
by Walter McBride - June 14, 2014


Audra McDonald made history this week, receiving her 6th Tony Award for Best Performance by and Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her role as Billie Holiday in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL - in celebration, you can check out photos of McDonald in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In The Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride below!

BWW Countdown: You Get to Rank Your Favorite Audra McDonald Roles
by Matt Tamanini - June 4, 2014


There is little doubt who is the reigning queen of Broadway. With five Tony Awards and eight nominations in just 20 years, Audra McDonald has held that title for quite a while now. In addition to her prolific stage career, she also has found time to do turns on TV and have a recording and touring career. If Audra wins her sixth Tony this Sunday, she will become the first actor to do so in the four major acting categories.

Audra McDonald-Led LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL to Get Live Recording; Release Set for 7/15
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Lanie Robertson's play with music, starring five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, will be recorded live at Circle in the Square during a regularly scheduled performance during the week of May 27-31by PS Classics. The label has announced a July 15th street date; preorders are already being accepted at the label's website,www.psclassics.com.

VIDEO: Audra McDonald Talks Billie Holiday on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Caryn Robbins - May 27, 2014


The Tony Award-nominated Audra McDonald talked to CBS SUNDAY MORNING's Mo Rocca this Sunday about two legendary singers: Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

DVR Alert: Audra McDonald Visits CBS SUNDAY MORNING Today
by TV News Desk - May 25, 2014


As a child, Broadway star Audra McDonald would rehearse Tony Award acceptance speeches in front of her bathroom mirror, she tells Mo Rocca in an interview for CBS SUNDAY MORNING WITH CHARLES OSGOOD to be broadcast today, May 25, 2014 (9:00 AM ET) on the CBS Television Network.

STAGE TUBE: LADY DAY's Audra McDonald Performs on THE VIEW
by Stage Tube - May 22, 2014


Tony-winning singer Audra McDonald stopped by THE VIEW this morning to perform a number as Billie Holiday from Broadway's 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.' The actress received a Tony nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Play for her starring role. If she wins, this will be her sixth Tony Award. Watch her sing below!

VIDEO: Audra McDonald Chats 'LADY DAY'; Performs Two Numbers on 'Colbert'
by Caryn Robbins - May 1, 2014


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' and perform two numbers from the show.

Is Audra McDonald-Led LADY DAY a Play or a Musical? Tony Committee Decides Tomorrow
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2014


The Tony Awards Administration Committee meets for the final time tomorrow, April 25, to determine the fates of the 2013-14 season's productions. And if they decide LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL is a 'play with music' rather than a musical, leading lady Audra McDonald, who stars as Billie Holiday, will have the chance to win a Tony for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play -- her only category without a Tony trophy.

Exclusive Photo Flash: Audra McDonald Gets Hirschfeld Treatment for LADY DAY Opening Night Gift!
by Nicole Rosky - April 23, 2014


'Lady Day' Producer Jeffrey Richards and actor Will Swenson (wowing audiences as 'Javert' in the Broadway revival of 'Les Miserables') were sad because the late great Al Hirschfeld was not here to draw Swenson's wife, Broadway superstar Audra McDonald, in her title role in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill.' But wait! In stepped Margo Feiden, gallerist to the stars, and exclusive rep for Al Hirschfeld's work.

STAGE TUBE: Audra McDonald Talks the Joys of Playing LADY DAY on MSNBC
by Nicole Rosky - April 17, 2014


As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Lanie Robertson's play with music, starring Audra McDonald, has extended its limited engagement at the Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street, btwn. Broadway and 8th Avenue) through August 10, 2014. Leading lady Audra McDonald just visited Tamron Hall on MSNBC to chat about her Lady Day experience and you can check out the full interview below!

Audra McDonald-Led LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL Extends Through 8/10
by Nicole Rosky - April 16, 2014


As a result of strong critical response and public demand Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Lanie Robertson's play with music, starring Audra McDonald, announces that the production will be extending its limited engagement at the Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street, btwn. Broadway and 8th Avenue) through August 10, 2014.

TV: Chatting with Audra McDonald and the LADY DAY Team on Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - April 14, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, starring five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, just opened last night at the Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway, on 50th Street btwn. Broadway and 8th Ave.). BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there for the after party, where he got to chat with McDonald herself about the pressure of representing the iconic woman; how the project got its start; working with Lonny Price, and so much more!

TV: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL
by Nicole Rosky - April 14, 2014


Broadway's biggest stars gathered at the Circle in the Square Theatre yesterday for opening night of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, starring five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald and directed by Lonny Price. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on the red carpet to chat with the evening's guests before the curtain went up, and below, you can check out interviews with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Norm Lewis, Will Swenson, Nikki M. James, Jason Robert Brown, Billy Porter and more!

Photo Coverage: Inside LADY DAY's Opening Night Theatre Arrivals
by Walter McBride - April 14, 2014


Broadway's biggest stars gathered at the Circle in the Square Theatre yesterday for opening night of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, starring five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald and directed by Lonny Price. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the star-studded red carpet below!

TV: Watch Audra McDonald Transform Into Billie Holiday in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL!
by Nicole Rosky - April 14, 2014


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), will play a strictly limited 10-week engagement with only 70 performances at the Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway, on 50th Street btwn. Broadway and 8th Ave.). BroadwayWorld brings you a sneak peek of McDonald in action below!

Photo Coverage: Audra McDonald and LADY DAY Company Celebrate Opening Night!
by Walter McBride - April 14, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, starring five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, just opened last night at the Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway, on 50th Street btwn. Broadway and 8th Ave.). BroadwayWorld was on hand for the after party and you can check out photo coverage below!

Photo Coverage: Audra McDonald Takes Opening Night Bows in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL
by Walter McBride - April 14, 2014


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), will play a strictly limited 10-week engagement with only 70 performances at the Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway, on 50th Street btwn. Broadway and 8th Ave.). Opening night was yesterday, April 13, 2014, and BroadwayWorld was there for all of the festivities. Check out photos from the curtain call below!

Review Roundup: LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Courtnie Mele - April 13, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill opens tonight on Broadway. Lady Day stars five-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald under the direction of Lonny Price (110 in the Shade, A Class Act), will play a strictly limited 10-week engagement with only 70 performances at the Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway, on 50th Street btwn. Broadway and 8th Ave.).

BWW Reviews: McDonald Mesmerizes in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL
by Michael Dale - April 13, 2014


There's a lady on stage, and not only is she an entrancing singer, but she's one hell of an actor.

Photo Flash: LADY DAY's Roxie the Chihuahua Attends Funeral for Joan Rivers' Dog Max
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2014


Scroll down for a photo of Broadway animal trainer Bill Berloni and canine star Roxie the Chihuahua with Joan and Melissa when they attended the recent funeral of her best bowser friend, Joan Rivers' beloved Max!

Other Productions of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

1986   Off-Broadway Original Off-Broadway Production
Off-Broadway
1986   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
2014   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2017   West End West End Production
West End

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - 2014 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2014 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actress in a Play Audra McDonald
2014 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Play Audra McDonald
2014 Drama League Awards Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Audra McDonald
2014 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
2014 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Audra McDonald
2014 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Play Steve Canyon Kennedy

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