The two-act play, written by Synthia L. Hardy and directed by Bryan Rasmussen combines storytelling and song to capture the essence of Billie Holiday’s music and life. In the first act, Holiday prepares for her show while answering the questions of two unseen reporters. Hardy as Holiday entwines her biography and explanations of the inspiration for and history of her music with performances of her popular numbers. Musician Lanny Hartley joins Hardy on stage as "Piano Man" accompanying her through hits including the haunting “Strange Fruit,” as well as “God Bless the Child,” “Good Morning Heartache,” and “Lover Man.” One of the greatest jazz and blues performers of all time, Holiday unfolds the truth about her turbulent life – combating racism, navigating abusive relationships, and enduring multiple arrests. In the second act, Hardy embodies Lady Day, (a nickname given to Holiday by musician Lester Young), in a concert of her hits that includes “’Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do” and “Willow, Weep for Me.” Through a voice reminiscent of Holiday’s with its raspy edge and incorporation of crying and wailing, Hardy portrays the iconic artist as simultaneously classy and tough, vulnerable and versatile, hopeful at times and hopeless at others, but most of all, full of heart and sympathy.
Videos
2 Pianos 4 Hands
North Coast Repertory Theatre (12/12 - 12/29) | ||
Lea Salonga | Sounding Joy | The Holiday Tour
Balboa Theatre (12/11 - 12/11) | ||
A Christmas Carol
Cygnet Theatre (11/29 - 12/24)
PHOTOS
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Pete the Cat
Poway OnStage (3/15 - 3/15) | ||
Churlish Chiding of Winter Winds: A Shakespeariment
Casa del Prado Theatre (1/10 - 1/19) | ||
Dear Evan Hansen (Non-Equity)
McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts (2/21 - 2/23) | ||
Back to the Garden
Poway OnStage (3/30 - 3/30) | ||
Irish Christmas in America
California Center for the Arts Escondido (12/3 - 12/3) | ||
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays
The Old Globe (12/12 - 12/22) | ||
Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again
La Jolla Playhouse (11/19 - 12/15) | ||
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