Ep. 39: "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," 2016

Broadway Babies: A Musical Theatre Podcast

Oh, what a little sunlight can do! The Broadway Babies are back from our summer vacation, and we're diving right into the deep end with our next show: Audra McDonald's star turn as doomed jazz singer Billie Holiday in the "musical play" "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill." Originally a Broadway revival in 2014, the show was filmed for a TV movie that aired on HBO in 2016 — and we're here to talk Billie's life story and how its leading lady elevates the play's iffy dialogue and plot.

TV movie available online at HBO.com

Cast recording: Spotify | Amazon | Apple Music

Music

• "What a Little Moonlight Can Do"
• "God Bless the Child"
• "Strange Fruit"
• "Deep Song"

All songs performed by Audra McDonald.

Released by PS Classics.

Show Notes

• To keep from going into a whole YouTube concert of her, here’s two of Audra’s iconic performances that really show her range and talent, both vocal and acting: ”The Glamorous Life” and “Down With Love”. There will be more to come…
• She always gives the best Tony speeches, by the way.
• And the best interviews because she’s just so down to earth but also earth-shatteringly talented...she’s classy, sassy, and just a touch bit ass-y.
• “All Stars 4” co-winner Monet X Change made a powerful music video of “Strange Fruit” that, let’s say, modernizes the song.
• And last but definitely not least, here’s the real Billie really singing “Strange Fruit” in 1959, the same year the play takes place and the year she died.

Podcast cover art: David Taylor

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