Christina Acosta Robinson Shines as Billie Holiday in Ivoryton Playhouse's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
By Kiersten Bjork (May 14, 2026)
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill: An Evening with Billie Holiday, the play by Lanie Robertson that won Audra McDonald a Tony for the titular role, invites audiences into an intimate club setting as Billie Holiday–Lady Day–shares songs and stories of her life. Now playing at Ivoryton Playhouse through May 31, it’s a poignant story that reminds us of both the highs and the lows of Holiday’s life and career, with the songs that defined her legacy woven throughout.
Todd L. Underwood takes the reins as director and delivers a powerful production that expertly balances the beauty and the heartbreak of the story. This is a tale filled with both joy and tragedy, humor and heartache, and Underwood brings out the best of both worlds across departments to create a powerful, moving tribute to the late, great, Lady Day.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill: An Evening with Billie Holiday, the play by Lanie Robertson that won Audra McDonald a Tony for the titular role, invites audiences into an intimate club setting as Billie Holiday–Lady Day–shares songs and stories of her life. Now playing at Ivoryton Playhouse through May 31, it’s a poignant story that reminds us of both the highs and the lows of Holiday’s life and career, with the songs that defined her legacy woven throughout.
Todd L. Underwood takes the reins as director and delivers a powerful production that expertly balances the beauty and the heartbreak of the story. This is a tale filled with both joy and tragedy, humor and heartache, and Underwood brings out the best of both worlds across departments to create a powerful, moving tribute to the late, great, Lady Day.
Manny Houston, Christina Acosta Robinson, Eneji Alungbe, and Jocelyn Pleasant in Ivoryton Playhouse’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Jonathan Steele)
From her very first entrance, Christina Acosta Robinson is Billie Holiday. She tackles the classic songs with a voice that truly does justice to Holiday’s iconic sound. She deftly handles the interplay of song and story, taking us on the journey with her as she recounts Holiday’s memories of her family, her love, and her career. Robinson lives so beautifully, and intentionally within the stories that she tells, taking us from laughter to tears in mere moments, before taking our breath away with her incredibly powerful rendition of “Strange Fruit.” Robinson absolutely shines in this role.
Manny Houston is a delight as Jimmy Powers, Holiday’s pianist and friend. Houston and Robinson play off of each other quite well, and I enjoyed the recurring moments when Robinson would catch Houston's eyes through the gap in the piano cover, making faces from across the room. Houston leads the band skillfully, and his talent on the keys is on full display.
Likewise, Eneji Alungbe and Jocelyn Pleasant on bass and drums, respectively, are fantastic talents. The band really elevates the show, and the high caliber of these musicians really shines through.
Manny Houston is a delight as Jimmy Powers, Holiday’s pianist and friend. Houston and Robinson play off of each other quite well, and I enjoyed the recurring moments when Robinson would catch Houston's eyes through the gap in the piano cover, making faces from across the room. Houston leads the band skillfully, and his talent on the keys is on full display.
Likewise, Eneji Alungbe and Jocelyn Pleasant on bass and drums, respectively, are fantastic talents. The band really elevates the show, and the high caliber of these musicians really shines through.
Christina Acosta Robinson as Billie Holiday in Ivoryton Playhouse’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Jonathan Steele)
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Christina Acosta Robinson as Billie Holiday in Ivoryton Playhouse’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Jonathan Steele)
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Scenic and lighting designer Marcus Abbott builds the physical world of Emerson’s Bar & Grill beautifully, with support from props designer Kat Schorn. The set and props immediately bring us into the intimate concert space of Emerson’s and the lighting nicely builds upon the mood and music to bring it all together.
Costumes by designer Sean Spina are well done, with Holiday’s dress a particularly stunning look. Wig designer Nikiya Mathis, with wig associate Tinika Sadiku, have done excellent work here as well. Sound design by Rhian Franchebois is strong, and the balance is great from start to finish.
Costumes by designer Sean Spina are well done, with Holiday’s dress a particularly stunning look. Wig designer Nikiya Mathis, with wig associate Tinika Sadiku, have done excellent work here as well. Sound design by Rhian Franchebois is strong, and the balance is great from start to finish.
Manny Houston as Jimmy Powers in Ivoryton Playhouse’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Jonathan Steele)
I highly recommend grabbing a ticket to this wonderful production. From the impressive cast to direction and design, it’s a fantastic piece on all accounts. Robinson is delivering a truly iconic performance in the title role, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill plays May 7-31, 2026, at Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 767-7318 .
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill plays May 7-31, 2026, at Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (860) 767-7318 .
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.