Samuels is 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill' at MTC MainStage 4/24 -5/3

MTC MainStage Studio Theatre presents "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" by Lanie Robertson. Starring Gayle Samuels from Broadway's "Dreamgirls," Dancin'," and "Sunset Blvd." as Billie Holiday, the show runs April 24 - May 3, 2009. Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, Sundays at 3pm.

MTC MainStage Studio Theatre, 246 Post Road East in ColoniAl Green (lower level) in Westport, CT.

Starring Gayle Samuels* as Billie Holiday and Max Haymer* as Jimmy Powers

Production Team Book by Lanie Robertson, Musical Director Max Haymer*, Lighting Design Graham Kindred Scenic Design James Burns, Costume Design Diane Vanderkroef, Stage Manager James Schilling* Directed by Kevin Connors

Press notes describe the play as "The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday's final performances. More than a dozen musical numbers are interlaced with salty and humorous reminiscences to project a unforgettable portrait of the lady and her music".

The New York Times calls Lady Day "The richest jazz singing in town... Absorbing, dramatic and an unexpected joy." New York Magazine says Lady Day "Hurts and exhilarates in just the right proportions." And the London Times calls the play "Original and riveting."

This production contains adult language and themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

TICKETS: $35. Seniors/students: $25 (subject to availability). Reservations suggested.

Call 203.454.3883 or visit www.MTCMainStage.org for tickets and more information.