Lanie Robertson
UPDATED JUNE 22, 2020
As the reopening of theaters in the state of Massachusetts falls between Phases 3 and 4 of Governor Baker’s reopening plan, New Repertory Theatre has been forced to make the following decisions:
- NEW UPDATE! Postpone all performances of Angels in America: Millennium Approaches until Fall 2021
- NEW UPDATE! Postpone all performances of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill until 2021
- NEW UPDATE! We are working to produce a 2-person production of Romeo & Juliet to tour in the spring of 2021. All performances of Thurgood on Tour, and Classic Repertory Company’s productions of The Scarlet Letter have been cancelled.
- NEW UPDATE! Cancel Gala 2020 (previously scheduled for May 5, then October 26, 2020)
As a reminder:
- All performances of August Wilson’s Fences (previously scheduled for April/May 2020) were cancelled this past spring.
- At this time, the Mosesian Center for the Arts is still closed to the public.
We have evaluated all possibilities for fall production, including social-distancing procedures and live streamed performances. As our artists would need to begin the design process this week, and it is still unsafe for them to collaborate indoors in such a close proximity, we have arrived at the conclusion that we are unable to produce Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill this fall.
To current ticket-holders to Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, no action is needed on your part. We will be in touch with you regarding rescheduled performances once the new dates are confirmed.
We currently plan to open our 2020/2021 season with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this November. Previews begin November 29, 2020.
Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill
by Lanie Robertson
It’s 1959 in a bar in South Philadelphia for one of Billie Holiday’s final performances before her untimely death. At an intimate evening with Billie and her pianist, Holiday’s most famous songs are interlaced with reminiscences from her life, told with her unique, salty humor. Featuring “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” and “Strange Fruit”, this biographical play with music by Lanie Robertson tells the incredible story of an icon who consistently battled racism, abuse, and addiction for her chance to sing.
Lydia Harrell (Billie Holiday) is one of Boston’s finest musical treasures. Her sultry, soulful voice and evocative songwriting have garnered her the attention and respect of the nation’s finest musicians and venues. Jazz/Soul is where her heart is, however, Lydia has shown an unbreakable ability to mold herself into any musical situation. Be it performing with the Boston Pops, serenading NBA fans with America’s National Anthem, or lending her vocal talents to a chart-topping deep house singles by British record label, Reel People Music, Lydia’s dedication to extracting the pure essence of song goes virtually unmatched.
Lydia consistently performs in more than 150 shows a year not only as a solo act, but also in collaborations with other artists such as world renowned jazz musician, Bobby Floyd and as one-half of the duo “The Lady Parts” providing backing vocals for Zap Mama, Ryan Montbleau, Albert Cummings and more. Her most recent musical accolades include singing lead on a Bob Marley Tribute Album distributed by Sony Music Latin, winning the 2015 Duke Ellington Jazz Vocal Competition, performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC (2016) and winning the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Voice Competition.
Lydia is also an actor that has been seen in several regional and national commercials, billboards, short films and theatre productions. She starred in her first Boston 48 Hour Film Project and won Best Original song for the song she wrote “I Am Beautiful”.
◊ member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
º member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
