“That’s why it’s so nice . . . singing here . . at Em’s again. Em’s is home to me . . .”Lady Day
The Venue – Emerson’s Bar & Grill
At first glance, you wouldn’t think much has changed at the old gas station on the corner of Broadfoot and Morgantan in Haymount. Until you take a closer look and see the twinkle of stringed lights, hear the soft melodies of the piano and begin to feel as if you’ve walked back in time to Emerson’s Bar & Grill on the corner of Fifteenth and Bainbridge in Philadelphia.
Cape Fear Regional has taken thinking out the box to new heights creating the perfect stage to welcome Lady Day home just a short stroll from their intimate theatre to the old Haymount Auto Repair to grace the stage and share her story through lyrics, stories, a few sips of ‘juice’, and several choice words sprinkled throughout.
The Cast
As we sat waiting under the dusk sky and twinkling lights of Emerson’s a woman sparkling in sequins and a hint of mystery slowly stepped onto the stage.
Every movement, mannerism, and glance somehow rejected my awareness of the actress she was and fooled me into admiring her as the true Lady Day herself.
Janeta Jackson is not new to the secrets, tragedies, and tunes of Billie Holiday. She’s played this role before. Starring in the Charlotte production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Grill back in 2019.
You could give the credit for her uncanny ability to become Billie herself to mere experience or even habit but instead, I believe the credit belongs to her dedication and passion for bringing Billie to the stage and giving in to her need to speak through the songs and stories she left behind.
On the piano, we met Jimmy (played by Actor Joel Holloway) who was there to not only protect Lady Day but her reputation by keeping her on task even if it meant giving in to her need for a bit of ‘moonlight’ between songs.
Although Billie introduced him as her next husband and sometimes called him by the name of her ex-husband, Jimmy kept playing, supporting, and encouraging Lady Day to perform like the old Billie he knew was beneath all the pain and struggle.
The Story
Foul-mouthed. Vulnerable. Real. Legendary.
Lady Day was a classy woman – until she wasn’t. Her performance at Emerson’s Bar & Grill comes after a life and career of struggle, abuse, success, and defeats.
“I got to sing the way I feel. Roam around a bit and find the song or more like – Let. The. Song. Find. Me.”
Set in 1959 Philadelphia, Billie let’s a few of her favorite songs and a few of her favorite stories find her as she shares the stories and reflections with a seasoning of regret mixed in.
“Ya see all I ever wanted was a beautiful home…and some kids. I love kids and never had any – not one.”
It’s as if the stage of Emerson’s becomes an intimate moment between Lady Day and her closest friends – her audience.
As she takes the mic you can hear the obvious slur of her words blended with the pain in her voice. Yet as each note floats through and fills the space you realize the talent that made her Lady Day hasn’t betrayed her – yet.
She shows her true self all while somehow exposing the moments in her life that brought her to where she is and where she ends.
“You can only get to where you at by way of where you been”
In the midst of her own story, Billie is able to teach us the lessons she’s learned in life and her career.
“There’s nobody that’s better than anybody else – unless you think they are.”
Facing racism, sexism and her own doubts about her life Billie managed to break the rules and set new milestones as a woman and singer in a time where finding respect as either was rare.
“I had to ya know sing. It’s always been the best part of living for me.”
As the songs find her, we learn how Billie went from Eleanora Fagan to Lady Day and all the moments in between. From her years cleaning stairs at the local ‘fancy house’ to the first moments she heard the voices of her biggest inspirations Pops Armstrong’s voice of feeling and the big sound of Bessie Smith.
The Invitation
You can get to know Billie too. She’ll be at Emerson’s through October 25th courtesy of the amazing team of Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Now don’t hesitate. Billie’s shows are selling out fast. True to her legendary talent even now Lady Day knows how to fill the house. So stop by CFRT.org and get your seat before it’s too late!
The Protection
In times like these we can’t forget safety and Cape Fear Regional Theatre definitely kept audience protection in mind with temperature checks for every guest, social safe seating distances, mask requirements, and of course, the amazing outdoor setting. Take a look at my 2 Minute Moments to see what you can expect!
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Lifestyle Blogger & Media Influencer at It's Me, Tee
I am the ‘ Tee’ behind It’s Me, Tee an award-winning Lifestyle Blog where I share my love of all things Faith, Family, Fashion, Food, Fun, Tech & Travel.
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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