Recommended

Last night, we went to see Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill at Portland Center Stage. In a word: not to be missed. (I realize that's more than one word but, really, it's not to be missed.)

Deidrie Henry is amazing as Billie Holiday in her final concert. Henry's voice is beautiful and her acting believable as she takes us on a journey of Billie Holiday's life.

Portland Center Stage at the Armory is a small enough venue that any seat is a good seat. We happened to sit in the third row where I was enthralled by Henry and her supporting cast, Abdul Hamid Royal on piano, James H. Leary on bass, and Charles Neal on drums. Henry, who delivers 99.9% of the play's dialog is both funny and deeply poignant and her interpretation of Billie Holiday's music was evocative and full of emotion.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill runs through July 1st so if you're in the Portland area, get yourself a ticket. If you're not, you might consider making the trip. It's that good. (And maybe I'll take you out for dinner.)