Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

by Lanie Robertson

September 3 – 26, 2026
Musical
Backstage| Thursday – Saturday | 

The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances, given four months before her death. More than a dozen musical numbers are interlaced with salty, often humorous reminiscences to project a riveting portrait of the lady and her music. 

The play opened on Broadway on April 13, 2014. Directed by Lonny Price, the production starred Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday and featured Shelton Becton as pianist Jimmy Powers. The show was originally scheduled for a limited 10-week engagement, but was extended several times until it finally closed on October 5, 2014. Audra McDonald won her record-breaking sixth Tony Award for the production, and she became the only person to win in all four acting categories, this time winning for Best Actress.

Audition Info

Directed by Toni Byrd
Music Directed by Kimberly Teitter
Stage Managed by Io Carling

In-person auditions for the role of Billie Holiday will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 6:00 pm- 10:00pm. Please make sure to sign up for an audition slot and fill out the audition form prior to your audition. Please prepare 32 bars (approximately 30–60 seconds) of a song in the style of the show. Actors may use either tracks or the provided accompanist; if using the accompanist, please bring sheet music. 

Auditions for the role of Jimmy Powers will be by video submission or in person on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 6:00 pm-10:00pm. Please prepare a piano piece that demonstrates your jazz and improvisational strengths. You may perform a selection from the show or a piece of your choosing that best highlights your facility in this style. If you are auditioning in person, please make sure to sign up for an audition slot and fill out the audition form prior to your audition.

Video Audition Requirements:

• At the beginning of your video, include a brief slate stating your name and years of piano experience, plus any relevant training, performance, or accompaniment background.
• Ensure clear audio and video quality with hands and face visible.
• You can submit your video link through the audition form and email your headshot and resume to icarling@slcc.edu.
• Submissions are due by Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00pm.

• All auditioners must complete the online audition form. 
• A current resume and headshot are required.

In person auditions will be located on stage at the Grand Theatre, 1575 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115. Please enter on the North side of the building, you will see the Grand Theatre logo on the doors.

After Auditions

• Callbacks are by invitation only
• Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:00pm by invitation only.

Schedule:

• Rehearsals: April 4 – May 9, 2026 M-F 6pm-10pm, Sa: 10am-4pm
• Technical Rehearsals: May 11- May 20, 2026 M-F 6pm-11pm, Sa: 11am-6pm
• Performances: May 21 – June 13, 2026 (Thursday – Saturdays)
• Performance pick-up rehearsals: May 27, June 3, June 10, 2026 6:30pm-9:00pm

All hired actors are paid via a stipend. The Grand Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. We welcome all qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, color, gender, national origin or any other basis, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Background Check Notice:
As part of the new SLCC requirements, we will conduct a background check on all contracted individuals. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Please note: Marketing photos & video may be taken during auditions/callbacks.

Character Breakdown

• Billie Holiday: 30s-50s (Playing age: 40s). Vocal range requires a deep, soulful, and slightly raspy mezzo-soprano to handle complex jazz standards. 

• Jimmy Powers: Billie Holiday’s accompanist. 30s–50s. Non-speaking role.  Advanced piano skills required (must be comfortable playing jazz/blues styles live).