The Depot Theatre In Westport, NY closes the 2021 main stage season on a high note with its final main stage production of 2021, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL, with performances from August 12-29.

The production recounts the heartbreaking, beautiful, and haunting story of Billie Holiday’s life through the songs that made her one of the most famous icons of the era. A “play with music,” performances include the singer’s “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “God Bless The Child,” and “Strange Fruit.”

“This play highlights the contrast between the amazing heights to which our heroes can soar, and the heartbreak that occurs when they fall,” said Kenney Green, Depot Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. “Audiences should expect to experience a roller coaster ride of story and song.”

Anna Anderson returns to the Depot Theatre to play the role of Billie Holiday. Anna last embodied the soulful Holiday in Arizona Theatre Company’s Production of LADY DAY, a role for which Anderson was honored with a MAC award nomination (Manhattan Association of Cabarets). Ms. Anderson also received a second MAC nomination for her outstanding performances at Don’t Tell Mama cabaret in NYC. Other credits include the off-Broadway productions of GRAB AND GRACE, THE GREAT PIE ROBBERY, and the Depot Theatre’s 2018 production of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN.’

Darnell White makes his Depot Theatre debut as Jimmy Powers, who is more than an accompanist for Ms. Holiday. A native of the historical neighborhood of Harlem in New York City, Darnell White is a graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and The Juilliard School. A noted staple in New York City’s music scene, Darnell has developed a pristine reputation as a performer, composer, and musical director. As a musical director he has collaborated with a number of noted artists including Melba Moore, Brian McKnight, Blaine Krauss, Amma Ossei, Willis White, Angela Birchett, David LaMarr, Carlton Jumel Smith, and many more. Both as a performer and resident artist, Darnell recently served as Musical Director for the off-Broadway show REVELATION, THE MUSICAL as well as the film adaptation of GOSPEL AT COLUNUS. He is currently the musical director for a few churches in the New York area and the chorus master for Trilogy: An Opera Company in Newark, NJ.

The Depot Theatre’s production of LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL runs from August 12-29 and is sponsored by Mountain Lake PBS. The Depot Theatre’s 2021 Season Sponsor is Casella. The show is rated PG-13. (Content includes adult themes and language, including issues of race, substance abuse, and abusive relationships.)

As a professional Actors’ Equity and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society-affiliated theatre, the Depot must adhere to both government and union health and safety guidelines. As such, audience members are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets and information updates are available by calling the box office at 518.962.4449 or visiting DepotTheatre.org.