Review: “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at ArtsWest now through July 8

Review by Jeanne Kinley Deller:

Reserve your tickets now ArtsWest’s “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” – Billie Holiday at her finest! Felicia Loud’s reincarnation of Billie Holiday, in one of Ms. Holiday’s solo concerts shortly before her death, is stunning beyond compare. This ArtsWest Playhouse production by Lanie Robertson is theatre in its most authentic art form.

With minimalist stage design, Emerson’s 1950s Bar and Grill fades into the background while Ms. Loud’s legendary Billie Holiday commands every breath of space with her brassy, brave, and beautiful presence. Her songs and autobiographical monologue of oft heart-wrenching memories – life, love, and loss – educate, tickle the funny bone, pull on the heartstrings, and leave the audience awestruck. This was one of those very rare times when both myself and fellow theatre-goers were speechless as the actor departed the stage. That WAS Billie Holiday up there sharing her most intimate stories . . . was it not?

If you’re a jazz fan, a Billie Holiday fan, or someone who simply enjoys music and history, you won’t want to miss Felicia Loud’s demanding performance. “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” is now playing at ArtsWest in West Seattle now through July 8, 2018. Tickets here.

ArtsWest 2018 Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill