TV: Dee Dee Bridgewater Talks LADY DAY on Opening Night!
By: Nicole Rosky Oct. 10, 2013
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The new Billie Holiday musical Lady Day starring Tony and multiple Grammy Award-winner Dee Dee Bridgewater, opened last week at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues). Written and directed by Stephen Stahl, the musical makes its New York debut having been produced at the Theatre de Boulogne-Billancourt and Theatre du GymnaseMarie Bell in Paris as well as The Donmar Warehouse and The Piccadilly Theatre in London, where it received critical praise and garnered an Olivier "Best Actress in a Musical" Award nomination for Ms. Bridgewater.
BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there on opening night to chat with Bridgewater about the show, and you can check out what she had to say below!
Along with Ms. Bridgewater, David Ayers (Wicked and SILENCE!) in the role of "Robert," Billie Holiday's Manager and newcomer Rafael Pouerietin the role of the "Assistant Stage manager" as well as James Cammack(veteran bass player for legendary jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal), Jerome Jennings(performer & drummer for Benny Golson andSonny Rollins),Neil Johnson (acclaimed tenor sax player for his international style) andBill Jolly (three-time Emmy Award winning pianist/composer/arranger) in the roles of the onstage musicians, complete the acting ensemble.
The original play with music on the life of Billie Holiday, "Lady Day" features a cavalcade of Holiday hit songs and tells the inspired and heart-wrenching story of how Billie attempts a final comeback performance. With a new book by Mr. Stahl, "Lady Day" brings the essence and spirit of the late, great Billie Holiday to the stage. Told through onstage triumphs and backstage personal trials, the production features over twenty-five standards including: "Don't Explain," "Good Morning Heartache," "A Foggy Day (In London Town)," "Them There Eyes," "Strange Fruit," "My Man," "God Bless the Child," and "Mean to Me."
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