Contemporary Theatre of Dallas presents the musically rich and emotionally compelling musical drama Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill by Lanie Robertson, directed by Phyllis Cicero.

The incomparable Denise Lee makes her CTD debut as Billie Holiday in this fictionalized re-imagining of one of the great jazz singer’s final concerts at a South Philadelphia night club in 1959. For this production, CTD will be transformed into an environment both seductive and eerie, glamorous and gritty.

Through songs and monologues, we learn about Billie Holiday’s life, loves, art, and devastating addiction to heroin. Audiences will simultaneously revel in her spellbinding talent, feel her rage and pain, and sense the approach of her tragic downfall. Ms. Lee will be backed by a jazz trio led by Joe Rogers, acclaimed musical director of Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth, who’s not only making his CTD debut, but performing in his first Dallas theater production.

This unique musical play features songs by various composers and lyricists including Bob Russell, Arthur Herzog Jr., Wesley Wilson, Bessie Smith, Lewis Allan and Billie Holiday herself, with musical arrangements by Danny Holgate. The indelible songs include “God Bless the Child,” “Strange Fruit,” “Don’t Explain,” “T’aint Nobody’s Biz-ness” and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do.”

This show is rated R for adult language and situations.

What: Denise Lee in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill

When: January 25 – February 17, 2008.

  • Thursdays at 7:30 PM
  • Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM
  • Sundays at 2:00 PM (no performance on January 27)

Admission: $22.00 – $32.00

There will be a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Please call 214.828.0094