This gala evening includes a wine and tapas hors d’oeuvres reception with live jazz, a silent auction, and a special performance of the Tony Award-winning play, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. After the play, you’ll also enjoy coffee, dessert and the Champagne After-Glow with a DJ and dancing. 

"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" recounts Billie Holiday’s life story through the songs that made her famous. It’s 1959 in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia; Holiday puts on a show that, unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of her last performances. Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time shares her loves and her losses.

In 2014, for her portrayal as Billie Holiday, Audra McDonald won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. Our production will feature internationally renowned singer/actress Madra Thomas and the incomparable jazz pianist Reggie Thomas; they will grace our stage with one of the most exquisite and haunting performances of the year. Tonight only: a jazz trio will accompanying Madra Thomas!

Online tickets may be purchased at www.fjtheatre.com. When you purchase your all-inclusive tickets to this annual event you’re helping to raise money that will enable FJT to provide year-round programming including the Tater Tot Theatre Company, YSTEP (Youth & Senior Theatre Ensemble Project), Prime Time Players Older Adult Drama Club, Theatre Summer Camps, and special events.

Sponsor: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre (FJT)
Location: Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston
Admission: Advance online tickets, $75; at the door night of the performance, $100