Published On: August 6th, 2016By Leticia Fehling

Carver Theater Director, Alumni Put on ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,’ a Play With Music

The project includes musical numbers interlaced with a riveting portrait of Billie Holiday.

LaKeisha Randle stars in the one-woman play.

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]S[/dropcap]aturday, August 6 is the last chance to see Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Ovations Night Club (2536 Times Blvd.) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

The Bayou Theatre Company is presenting the production. Alric Davis, Trey Lewis and Yesha Benjamin founded the Company. Roshunda Jones is directing the play. Jones is the theater director at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Carver. Mark Williams is the musical director. LaKeisha Randle stars as Lady Day.

Lanie Douglas Robertson wrote Lady Day. He is an American playwright, actor and educator.

The play is set on one of Billie Holiday’s last performances before her death in 1959. The play interlaces storytelling of Holiday’s career and her music. The audience will hear favorites such as “God Bless This Child,” “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” and “Strange Fruit.”

Roshunda Jones styles Randle’s hair just before the show.

“One challenge was to make sure that we captured Billie’s style of jazz,” said Jones. “She was one of the trailblazers of jazz music. She stated that she wasn’t a blues singer like Bessie Smith. Instead Billie gave people the blues feeling with a jazz beat.

“It has been a joy to work on this production. Everyone had poured his or her heart and soul in bringing this story to life.

“This has been a unique opportunity to give back to the students who have given so much to me. Three of my [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]former Carver students founded The Bayou City Theatre Company. What is most amazing is that they started the Company at such a young age. They are currently attending college. I’m elated to be working with them. I am so proud of their drive and tenacity.”