"Lady Day at the Boston Bistro" recalls the life and art of Billie Holiday, the legendary jazz singer who died 50 years ago at the age of 44. Written and directed by Ralph E. Greene, the show is being staged by Unity Theatre Ensemble. The production features an outstanding performance by Mardra Thomas as Holiday and excellent piano playing by husband Reginald Thomas.
The premise of Greene's script is that Holiday is giving one of her last public performances at a small nightclub in Boston. She's in a talkative mood, and thinking about the birthday she recently celebrated prompts her to look back on her life. Her pianist tries to keep Holiday focused on the music, but she continues to reminisce between songs, telling of her rise to stardom and the hardships she suffered along the way.
Holiday is remarkably forthright in recalling the many abuses and indignities she endured throughout her life. Mardra Thomas makes this candor believable with her spontaneous-sounding delivery. She does a fine job of making a connection with the audience and showing the gradually increasing effects of Holiday's drinking during the show. The alcoholic haze is unmistakable when Holiday begins to talk about her addiction to heroin and the legal troubles caused by her drug use.
The premise of Greene's script is that Holiday is giving one of her last public performances at a small nightclub in Boston. She's in a talkative mood, and thinking about the birthday she recently celebrated prompts her to look back on her life. Her pianist tries to keep Holiday focused on the music, but she continues to reminisce between songs, telling of her rise to stardom and the hardships she suffered along the way.
Holiday is remarkably forthright in recalling the many abuses and indignities she endured throughout her life. Mardra Thomas makes this candor believable with her spontaneous-sounding delivery. She does a fine job of making a connection with the audience and showing the gradually increasing effects of Holiday's drinking during the show. The alcoholic haze is unmistakable when Holiday begins to talk about her addiction to heroin and the legal troubles caused by her drug use.
