Just back from tonight's performance.
More of what everybody has said--an extraordinary performance by an extraordinary artist.
When she makes her way to the stage, she is Audra Mcdonald. Literally from the first breath and note she sings she becomes Billie Holiday. I don't think any amount of advance warning, spoilers or praise will diminish the leap your heart takes when she begins to sing--Audra has left the building.
I remember being amazed at the way Donna Murphy inhabited the role of Helen of Troy. No-one (I hope) could argue that Ms. Murphy isn't talented, but (perhaps) the most beautiful woman in History?? I was skeptical. Through sheer force of talent and will she made you see what she wanted you to see.
Audra McDonald is doing the same thing in 'Lady Day'--there is no need to suspend your disbelief--you will HAVE no disbelief. Except, maybe, a kind of wondering awe as to how a person can DO that???
The show is, perforce, dark--if this were fiction, one might scoff at the heavy-handed way in which the author piles on the painful, tragic memories--but there is not a single false or melodramatic moment--only a woman sharing memories and singing songs that make you weep.
See. This. Show.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...
Updated On: 4/1/14 at 10:56 PM