Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"..."Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," which debuted in 1986 and ran on Broadway in 2014, presents an intimate glimpse into this larger-than-life figure. The play is set in a dingy South Philadelphia bar in March of 1959, the sort of spots Holiday was forced to play when her cabaret license was suspended following a brief prison stint for possession of narcotics. Holiday's most iconic hits are featured, including "Crazy He Calls Me" and "Strange Fruit," along with musings on achieving fame for her talent, notoriety for dabbles into drugs and drinking, admiration for her civil rights advocacy, and sympathy for her history of abusive partners."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...What follows is a magnetic greatest hits concert, where gorgeous vocal performances of songs like “When a Woman Loves a Man” and “God Bless the Child” are interspersed with the sad and rueful storytelling of a woman who faced unimaginable racism, sexism, and trauma throughout her short life. While an intentionally “off the rails” performance due to the performer’s addiction and mental health could lead to voyeuristic pity, Roston’s sparkle and vulnerability create room for empathy and admiration for Holiday, who is still standing and singing despite it all. You leave wishing Holiday knew her legacy and feeling deeply unsettled by how songs like “Strange Fruit” are still so topical."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Bille Holiday tragically died from cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease, in 1959; however, before leaving the world, she won Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Grammy, National Rhythm & Blues, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Still, her tragic life-fighting addiction and substance abuse didn't overshadow her exceptional vocal delivery and improvisational skills, making her one of the most well-known figures in jazz. And at The Mercury Theatre, audiences will get to witness Hoilday's incredible story thanks to the exceptional performance by Alexis J. Roston."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill takes place the same year Billie died, and features some of the great songs of Billie Holiday, about a dozen songs are interlaced Billy's reminiscing about her days on the circuittraveling to make a living, which includes her early years of neglect, her parents, and her mother who she refers to as the "Dutchess". She does mention her failedmarriages, and the time she was arrested and went to jail for a year. And sheexplains the horrors of racism in the South, and what she faced."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...If you are at all skeptical of the phenomenon of reincarnation — the notion that after death a person’s soul or spirit can be reborn in a new body — you might very well change your mind after seeing Alexis J. Roston in the remarkable Mercury Theater Chicago production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.”"
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Playwright Lanie Robertson has imagined one of the last performances of the musical legend. 'Lady Day', as she was nicknamed, died tragically young at the age of 44 in 1959. Robertson uses Holiday's nightclub act as a singing memoir. The audience not only experiences Billie's music, they learn of her struggles with poverty, racism, men, the F.B.I., booze and heroin. It's a very personal glimpse into her creative genius despite multiple obstacles."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Chic and clean, she ain’t. A superbly gifted impressionist and interpreter of the barrelhouse end of the American Songbook, most definitely. A fearless plumber of ugliness beneath the sheen, very much so. If the moonlight is right, you can probably put Roston’s Holiday anywhere."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Quite a few people say they love the music of Billie Holiday, having heard only God Bless the Child or-the song controversial in its time-Strange Fruit. Those songs cannot come close to the immense gift of her talent. The depth of pain reflected in Holiday's road-weary interpretation of music has become canonical in jazz. The Mercury Theater's production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill is the story of Billie Holiday at the end of her life, singing in tiny clubs after losing her cabaret card-a musician's license to play for the public. Alexis J. Roston stars as Holiday and co-directs with Christopher Chase Carter. Nygel D. Robinson plays her accompanist and friend Jimmy Powers."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...For those who are fans of Billie Holiday, you’ll be thrilled at how Rosten captures her voice and charm. If you’re not usually a Billie fan, you might also like this if you’re interested in finding more about her and enjoying a night out listening to some jazz."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...To say Alexis J. Roston's performance as Billie Holiday in LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL is a masterclass in acting and singing is no exaggeration. Roston gives the kind of lived-in, seamless performance that only comes from knowing the material intimately well, and indeed, it's a role she's played many times before. For Mercury Theater Chicago's current production, she's now co-directing with Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter. It's clear that Roston put a lot of work into making this performance happen, but the result is true stage magic. Roston is no doubt putting her all into her portrayal of Billie Holiday, but she makes it all seem effortless."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" hits all the right notes. The jazz-club atmosphere is intimate and alluring, and the three-piece band is tight and together. To call Rolston an impersonator would be vulgar. The "embodiment" of Holiday is a better choice. If you're a fan of Billie Holiday and her music, this is as close as you are going to get to the real thing."
