The life, times, and music of jazz legend Billie Holiday will be celebrated in Cape May Stage’s production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” through Nov. 22 at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on the corner of Bank and Lafayette streets in Cape May.
In this skillful blend of biography and cabaret, playwright Lanie Robertson sets the stage in the intimate setting of an old friend’s South Philadelphia bar where Holiday delivers one of her final performances.
June Ballinger, producing artistic director of the Passage Theatre in Trenton, makes her Cape May Stage debut in directing and casting the production.
Performing the role of Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” is actress and musical director Miche Braden. Like Ballinger, Braden marks her debut at Cape May Stage in what will be her eighth production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.
You’ll be transported back to 1959 Philadelphia and Emerson’s Bar & Grill through the magic of set designer Adam Rigger and lighting designer Dominic Chacon.
Costume designers Gail Cooper Hecht and Ray Vincente Fashion will create Holiday’s flowing gown and signature look. And most importantly, Scott Trent, a gifted and talented musician, joins the cast in the role of pianist Jimmy Powers, bringing with him a natural and extraordinary flare to play music.
This show previews on Nov. 5 and ticket prices that evening will be half-price. The official opening night performance will be Nov. 6 with an after-party at the Mad Batter on Jackson Street immediately following the performance.
“Lady Day” performances are Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 p.m.
Call 609-884-1341 for reservations and information or visit the theatre’s Web site, capemaystage.com.
