Photo Coverage: Dee Dee Bridgewater & More Celebrate LADY DAY Opening Night
By: Stephen Sorokoff Oct. 04, 2013
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The new Billie Holiday musical Lady Day starring Tony and multiple Grammy Award-winner Dee Dee Bridgewater, opened last night, October 3 at the Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues). Written and directed by Stephen Stahl, the musical makes its New York debut having been produced at the Theatre de Boulogne-Billancourt and Theatre du Gymnase Marie Bell in Paris as well as The Donmar Warehouse and The Piccadilly Theatre in London, where it received critical praise and garnered an Olivier "Best Actress in a Musical" Award nomination for Ms. Bridgewater. Check out photos from opening night below!
Along with Ms. Bridgewater, David Ayers (Wicked and SILENCE!) in the role of "Robert," Billie Holiday's Manager and newcomer Rafael Pouerietin the role of the "Assistant Stage manager" as well as James Cammack(veteran bass player for legendary jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal), Jerome Jennings (performer & drummer for Benny Golson andSonny Rollins),Neil Johnson (acclaimed tenor sax player for his international style) andBill Jolly (three-time Emmy Award winning pianist/composer/arranger) in the roles of the onstage musicians, complete the acting ensemble.
The original play with music on the life of Billie Holiday, "Lady Day" features a cavalcade of Holiday hit songs and tells the inspired and heart-wrenching story of how Billie attempts a final comeback performance. With a new book by Mr. Stahl, "Lady Day" brings the essence and spirit of the late, great Billie Holiday to the stage. Told through onstage triumphs and backstage personal trials, the production features over twenty-five standards including: "Don't Explain," "Good Morning Heartache," "A Foggy Day (In London Town)," "Them There Eyes," "Strange Fruit," "My Man," "God Bless the Child," and "Mean to Me."Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff
Leslie Uggams & Valerie Simpson
Thomas Gentile, Producer
Teri Lynn Carrington & Tulani Bridgewater-Kowalski
Ken Roberson & Jamie deRoy
Michael Feinstein & Tony Bennett
Leslie Uggams & Suzanne Bowling
Curtain Call Dee Dee Bridgewater
Curtain Call Rafael Poueriet
Curtain Call
Curtain Call
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