Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, starring Audra McDonald, has recouped its initial capitalization of $2.6 million. The play with music is now in profits, after having begun performances on March 25 at Circle in the Square Theatre earlier this year. The production officially opened on April 13 and McDonald picked up her sixth Tony for her performance in the show.
Directed by Lonny Price, the play by Lanie Robertson tells the life story of the legendary jazz singer through the songs that made her famous. Set in 1959, in an intimate bar in Philadelphia, Holiday (McDonald) puts on a show that, unbeknownst to the audience, leaves them witness to one of the last performances of her lifetime. The show features 18 musical numbers, including “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Tain't Nobody’s Biz-ness” and “God Bless the Child.”
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill recently announced another extension and will now run through September 21.