Gulfshore Playhouse Announces Cast for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

NAPLES, FL – Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, is thrilled to announce that celebrated actress Tracey Conyer Lee will star as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, an intimate and unforgettable play by Lanie Robertson and featuring the music of Billie Holiday. Directed by Marshall Jones III, this compelling production will transform the Struthers Studio at Gulfshore Playhouse into Emerson’s Bar and Grill, immersing audiences in one of the final performances of the legendary Lady Day.  

Preview performances are March 16, 18, and 19, and Opening Night is Thursday, March 20. The production will run through Saturday, April 19, 2025.  

 

Experience Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill:

This immersive production invites audiences to step into a bygone era, where the music is hauntingly beautiful, the stories are raw and revealing, and Billie Holiday’s legacy shines brighter than ever.  Journey back to 1959 in a small Philadelphia bar, where Billie Holiday takes the stage for one of her last performances before her untimely death. Amidst the poignant melodies of “God Bless the Child” and the haunting resonance of “Strange Fruit,” this deeply moving play portrays the triumphs and struggles of jazz’s greatest icon, who battled severe drug and alcohol addictions during this period.

Introducing the Cast: 

Multi-award-winning actress Tracey Conyer Lee (Asolo Rep: Chicken & Biscuits) will bring Billie Holiday to life in her ninth production as the legendary singer. Lee’s extensive career spans over 80 professional productions worldwide, with accolades including the Carbonell, NAACP, and Barrymore Awards. Accompanying Lee, jazz musician Levi Barcourt will portray pianist Jimmy Powers, while JR Erb will perform on the upright bass.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill was cast by Michael Cassara, CSA. 

Introducing the Creative Team:

The creative team behind Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill brings a wealth of talent and experience to the production. At the helm is the esteemed Marshall Jones III, whose extensive career spans directing, producing, teaching, and championing groundbreaking theatre. You may remember Marshall as the director of the world premiere of The Refugees last season. His keen storytelling and visionary approach promises to bring Billie Holiday’s world to life in this unique experience.  

Music Director Levi Barcourt, who doubles as accompanist Jimmy Power, brings the soul of Billie Holiday’s music to life, while Scenic Designer Marcelo Martinez Garcia has designed an immersive experience. Costume Designer Kirche Leigh Zeile, Lighting Designer Jason Lynch, and Sound Designer Victoria Deiorio round out the creative team.

Five Reasons to see the Gulfshore Playhouse production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill: 

  1. Soul-Stirring Performance – Tracey Conyer Lee is poised to deliver a mesmerizing portrayal of Billie Holiday, capturing her unmistakable voice, raw emotion, and complex persona. 
  2. Iconic Music Live on Stage – Featuring over a dozen of Holiday’s legendary songs, including “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit,” this production brings her timeless music to life in an intimate setting.  
  3. An Experience Like No Other – Set within a small bar and grill in the 1950s, complete with a bar and cabaret tables, this play immerses audiences in one of Holiday’s final performances.  
  4. Heartbreaking yet Beautiful Story – Holiday’s turbulent life unfolds before your eyes, revealing her struggles with racism, addiction, and loss, while showcasing her resilience and artistry.  
  5. Limited Engagement – With limited seating, productions in the Struthers Studio often sell out. You don’t want to miss your chance to witness this extraordinary showcase of one of jazz’s greatest icons. 

Tickets are now available at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 239-261-7529.  

Don’t miss this tribute to a jazz legend—only at Gulfshore Playhouse!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

LOCATION: The Baker Theatre and Education Center, Struthers Studio, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road South, Naples, Florida 34102.

SHOW TIMES: Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30PM, Wednesday and Saturday at 2PM, and Sunday at 3PM. Please check the calendar for any schedule changes. 

PRESS NIGHT: Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Opening Night). Please contact Heidi Overman, Marketing Manager (hoverman@gulfshoreplayhouse.org, 239.261.7529 ext. 218), to reserve press tickets. 

TICKETS: Performances run March 16 through April 19, 2025. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at gulfshoreplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 239-261-7529. Tickets are now on sale and start at $40. Discounted tickets are available for patrons under 35; Educators; Families composed of two adults and two children; Active military, veterans, first responders, and their immediate families. Tickets can be ordered online (gulfshoreplayhouse.org) or by phone (239.261.PLAY). 

IN-PERSON BOX OFFICE HOURS: Patron Services at the Baker Theatre and Education Center is open Monday-Saturday 10:00AM-5:00PM and Sunday Noon-5:00PM. Additionally, the Box Office, lobby and bars are open 90 minutes before show times. 

CONTENT WARNING: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill takes place in 1959. This performance contains depictions of alcohol and drug abuse, addiction, and descriptions of sexual abuse and racism. Frequent use of foul language and racial slurs. Herbal cigarettes will be used throughout the performance.

SPECIAL AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT DATES

Designer Talkback: (new this season, an opportunity to hear from the designers themselves about their inspiration for the show):

  • March 19, 2025 at 6:30PM

Pre-Show Discussion

  • March 23, 2025 at 2PM
  • March 26, 2025 at 1PM & 6:30PM
  • April 6, 2025 at 2PM
  • April 9, 2025 at 1PM & 6:30PM

CONNECT WITH US: 
Facebook: @gulfshoreplayhouse
Instagram: @gulfshore.playhouse 

#gulfshoreplayhouse  

IMAGES: Show art, headshots, and other photographs will be uploaded to the Dropbox file as they become available. Dropbox link: HERE.

ABOUT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. The work of Gulfshore Playhouse is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in its audiences an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.

Gulfshore Playhouse is now producing in the state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center. Located at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and 1st Avenue South, the gateway to downtown Naples, the facility houses a 350-seat mainstage theatre and a 125-seat studio space, in addition to numerous events, rehearsal, and educational spaces.