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| Mixed Messages Abound for Female Singers  The mental toughness of an well-traveled veteran, the grace and charm of an angel, the power of a star and the obedience of a club employee – it's all expected in one package that exudes talent, wit, and understanding. It can be a perilous path to travel, and for some it's been an open book. That of Billie Holiday in particular has undergone a vibrant retelling in the form of the excellent "Lady Day at the Emerson's Bar and Grill, " a stage show in which audiences are treated to a live reimagining of an intimate performance of Holiday's toward the end of her tense, emotionally devastating, and beautiful life. The show runs this April at the Boca Raton Theatre Guild in Boca Raton, Fla., and stars the mighty Paulette Dozier as Holiday. The show has enjoyed successful runs all over the country since its first off-Broadway run with Lonette McKee in 1987 thanks to both its music – incredible cuts from Holiday's timeless songbook – and the chance to relive the star's conflicted past. The show's monologues showcase Holiday's grit in dealing with every obstacle thrown her way. It's an archetype that we see so many stars battle through, often with painful results. Pop superstar Whitney Houston tragically reminded us of this when she passed away. As with Holiday, headlines immediately pointed to drug abuse and a wasted career, but a closer look reveals a human tasked with surviving a volatile personal life for years while her career demanded that she exude confidence and poise throughout unmatched performances and recordings. "Lady Day at the Emerson Bar and Grill" has continued to thrive thanks to the chance it gives audiences to spend time with the star herself, and to marvel at the strength and perseverance with which she met her own challenges. - Matt Parish _________________________________________________ - EVENT: "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" starring Paulette Dozier - DATES: April 27 - 29, 2012 - PLACE: Boca Raton Theatre Guild (The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park) 301 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33486 write your comments about the article :: © 2012 Jazz News :: home page |