Reviews of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"
What Critics are Saying:
"Packed with great music and featuring an incredible performance by Deidrie Henry as Billie Holiday, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill is an absolute must-see." - BroadwayWorld
"Henry's Billie Holiday is a richly layered achievement ... With inexhaustible compassion and dignity, Deidrie Henry embodies the anguish and artistry of a jazz great pummeled by prejudice and poverty, caged by addiction and freed by music." - The Oregonian
"Her performance here is strong, polished, nuanced, affecting, pretty darn hard not to love." - Oregon ArtsWatch
"Deidrie Henry dons Billie Holiday’s signature white gardenia and sings her way into our hearts and souls ... It is a riveting performance." - Judy Nedry
"Deidrie Henry is truly mesmerizing in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill ... It really feels like a club setting, as if we were indeed in the presence of a legend. I enjoyed every minute of its all-too-brief running time." - The Crippled Critic
"Her vocal range slides easily from ballads, to brassy, to mournful and to the upbeat." - Dennis Sparks
“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill is beautiful art; a stunning performer backed by a jazz trio that takes flight effortlessly off the stage into the throes of improv. Because the components are so perfectly crafted, this play becomes, in these talented hands, a searing voice raised in revolt." - Meg Currell
What Audiences are Saying:
"We LOVED it! It is a must see!"
“Theater at its best in Portland.”
“Powerful, beautiful and important.”
"Deirdre was brilliant and the band was unbelievable. Best theater I've seen in a long time."
"Deidrie Henry was divine and captured Billie’s essence in every way. I smiled and wept throughout the show."
"A spectacular performance. Go see it!"
"Saw it! Loved it! Don’t miss it! EXQUISITE!"
"This is the best performance I’ve seen in Portland. Unbelievably real and worth every penny."
"Portland Center Stage, you have done it again. This one's gonna resonate with me for a long time."
"One of the best performances I have ever had the pleasure to see."
"Even better the second time! Loved it!"
More about Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill:
Playwright Lanie Robertson on Finding the Voice to Make "Lady Day" Sing
Playwright Lanie Robertson talks about capturing Billie Holiday's voice for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill."
Specialty Cocktails Inspired by "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"
Bar Supervisor (and resident mixologist) Melissa Larrabee introduces the specialty cocktails in honor of our final show of the season, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
All About Deidrie Henry
Deidrie Henry stars as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill at The Armory, but her history with Portland Center Stage and Chris Coleman go way back. Learn more about this incredible artist and her fascinating career.
A Force of Nature: Deidrie Henry on Becoming Billie Holiday
Deidrie Henry on the challenges, rewards and importance of becoming the iconic Lady Day.
"Lady Day" Cast and Creative Team
Meet the incredible cast and creative team behind Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill.
Photos: "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"
See photos of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill coming to The Armory May 26-July 1, 2018.
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
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