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Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Revival 2014

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

Review: Audra McDonald in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill'
8 / 10

Only a fool would second-guess the transformative power of Audra McDonald, but when it was announced that this five-time Tony Award-winner was going to portray Billie Holiday in the Broadway production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, I must confess that I had my qualms...But from the moment McDonald takes the microphone, a metamorphosis more striking than any in Ovid occurs...I don't want to overinflate the dramatic accomplishment of Lady Day, a minor offering that becomes something major only as a showcase for McDonald's rare artistry, but by the end of the piece Holiday's singing seems to tell not just her own story but a national one.

Stepping Into the Shoes of a Ravaged Singer
8 / 10

We hear much (too much) of this sorry story during the show, written by Lanie Robertson and directed by Lonny Price, and first produced Off Broadway in 1986...Mr. Robertson has created a persuasive voice for these reflections, salty and sassy, occasionally flaring into hot bursts of anger, and prone to gin-fueled digressions. Ms. McDonald moves between the moods with a jittery sharpness, conveying the warmth and humor in bright, glowing bursts that can quickly subside into dark, bitter ruminations on the wayward, reckless groove into which her life gradually fell...Still, it's worth putting up with the show's tackier (and duller) aspects for the pleasure of hearing Ms. McDonald breathe aching life into some of Holiday's greatest songs.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL to Play Final Performance Today
by Sally Henry Fuller - October 5, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, starring Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, plays its final performance today, October 5th, 2014. The production will have played 193 performances upon closing.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL Takes Hiatus Prior to Final Weeks of Performances
by Tyler Peterson - September 5, 2014


After a one-week hiatus, six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald will return to Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill and begin the final four weeks of performances starting Tuesday, September 9th, 2014.

STAGE TUBE: Audra McDonald and Will Swenson Complete the Ice Bucket Challenge - With An Elephant!
by Stage Tube - August 25, 2014


Husband-and-wife stage stars Audra McDonald and Will Swenson took on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge today while visiting Zoo Atlanta. Watch their submission -- featuring help from Kelly the elephant -- below! Plus, the pair nominated Norm Lewis and Patti LuPone to get wet and/or donate over the next 24 hours.

Audra McDonald Embarks on 'Sleep Out' Campaign to Help Homeless Youth
by Caryn Robbins - August 8, 2014


Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald has announced that she will sleep outside in solidarity with homeless youth one night this summer as part of Sleep Out: Broadway Edition 2014.

Broadway's LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL with Audra McDonald Announces Final Extension
by Tyler Peterson - August 7, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, the musical play starring record breaking six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, has announced that it will extend its limited engagement for a final time through October 5th, 2014.

TV: Banner Year for Two Beloved African-American Broadway Stars - Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Honored by ABC News
by Robert Diamond - August 2, 2014


Last night, on ABC World News, Audra McDonald marked the second African-American Broadway actor to be featured as a PERSON OF THE WEEK on the popular telecast this year. The program is hosted by Diane Sawyer, who soon leaves that chair to 'create innovative specials' for the network. On the broadcast, McDonald discussed how she prepares to become Billie Holiday each night, as she continues to strive bettering her 'Lady Day' for every performance. This production, directed by Lonny Price, earned her the distinction of being the only actress in history to receive a record 6th Tony Award earlier this year.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL Remains at #1 on Billboard's Cast Albums Chart
by Caryn Robbins - August 1, 2014


The original cast recording of Broadway's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill continues to hold on to it's Number One spot on the Cast Album chart, according to Billboard.com

Audra McDonald-Led LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL Recoups Investment
by Nicole Rosky - July 29, 2014


The producers of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, the musical play starring record breaking six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, just announced that the production in now in profits, after recouping its initial investment of $2.6 million.

Audra McDonald Breaks Billboard Records with LADY DAY Album!
by Nicole Rosky - July 24, 2014


PS Classics' Original Broadway Cast Recording of Audra McDonald in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill topped four of the Billboard Charts in its first week of release: #1 in Cast Albums, #1 in Jazz, #1 in Traditional Jazz and #1 in Heatseekers. According to Billboard, the album is McDonald's highest-charting solo release ever.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL Original Broadway Cast Recording Out Today
by Pat Cerasaro - July 15, 2014


The deluxe live original Broadway cast recording of LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL starring five-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald is being released today, July 15 in a two-disc set.

Audra McDonald-Led LADY DAY Extends Again Through 9/21
by Nicole Rosky - July 7, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, the musical play starring record breaking six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, will extend its strictly limited engagement through September 21st, 2014. The production will be dark from September 1st through September 7th while Ms. McDonald takes a previously scheduled vacation, and the final 16 performances will begin starting September 9th, 2014.

First Listen: Audra McDonald Sings Billie Holiday on LADY DAY Album; Track List Announced!
by Nicole Rosky - July 3, 2014


PS Classics will release the Original Cast Album for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, featuring six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, on July 15. Click here to listen to a preview of the album!

Photo Coverage: Audra McDonald Celebrates 100th Performance at LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL
by Walter McBride - July 3, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, the musical play which stars record breaking Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald as jazz legend Billie Holiday, just played it's 100th performance yesterday, July 2, 2014. The most honored female performer of the 2013-2014 season, Ms. McDonald was also the recipient of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. BroadwayWorld was there for the celebration and you can check out photos below!

TV Exclusive: BACKSTAGE WITH RICHARD RIDGE- Six-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - June 15, 2014


Welcome to BWW's exclusive talk show, BACKSTAGE WITH Richard Ridge. Follow Richard as he visits the theater's best and brightest in their dressing rooms, on their stages and favorite hang outs to talk about their lives, careers and all of the things you don't know, but want to know. In the special interview below, 2014 Tony winner Audra McDonald joined Richard just days before the big night to chat about all things Lady Day, reviews her amazing career and so much more . Check out the full interview below!

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR & GRILL with Audra McDonald Extends Through August 31
by Tyler Peterson - June 11, 2014


Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Lanie Robertson's musical play which stars Audra McDonald who won a record breaking sixth Tony Award for her portrayal of jazz legend Billie Holiday, will extend its strictly limited engagement through August 31st, 2014.

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.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill History

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

Videos