Aurora, CO 80010
by Lanie Robertson
Directed by Betty Hart
Music Direction and Pianist Trent Hines
Starring Mary Louise Lee
It’s 1959 at Emerson’s Bar and Grill in Philadelphia where the audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances, given four months before her death. Many of her hit songs are interlaced with salty, often humorous reminiscences to create a riveting portrait of a legend and her music.
In collaboration with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Cabaret “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” moves to the Garner Galleria Theatre and plays Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through April 23. Tickets at www.denvercenter.org.
Mary Louise Lee is no stranger to Billie Holiday having performed the role in 2002 for Shadow Theatre Company for which she won the Westword Best of Denver - Best Actress in a Musical Award and was nominated for a Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Year for an Actress. She reprised the role in 2016 for the DCPA Theatre Company.
For over 20 years this Denver native has built an extraordinary professional performing career having performed at many high profile events including the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions. She performed with the Colorado Symphony at the 911 Remembrance Ceremony and the First Ladies of Jazz concert. Mary Louise sang at the grand opening of Union Station and was a Season 9 contestant on America's Got Talent. She has toured internationally performing for the troops of the US Department of Defense.
As Denver’s First Lady, she combines her passion for the arts and youth through her Bringing Back the Arts Foundation. From students to senior citizens, Ms. Lee is committed to being an ambassador for the arts to help expose and expand access to Denver’s vibrant arts and cultural communities.
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