For anyone who is a fan of Billie Holiday, of Audra McDonald or of amazing talent in general, this show is purely perfect. It is a one act show lasting 90 minutes and featuring Audra McDonald, her pianist and manager played by Shelton Becton, drummer Frankie Tontah and bass cellist Neville Malcolm and is honestly one of the most unique and spellbinding productions I’ve ever seen. Playing at the Wyndham’s Theatre until Saturday 9th September this is not one to be missed.
Set up like an American Bar with tables on stage and in the front of the stalls, there is an instant feeling when setting foot into the theatre that you have been transported back to Philadelphia in 1959. The story is based on Billie Holiday’s final performance before her untimely death in July 1959 and through her performance very cleverly tells the tragic story of her childhood, her toxic relationship with James Monroe, her battle with an alcohol and drug addiction and her struggles with the prevalent racism that black Americans were struggling with. Although these stories are told in between songs they never seem out of place and the story within the show flows smoothly throughout.
Audra McDonald steps onto the stage and is instantly mesmerising; from the way she holds her head and smiles she is not the amazing Audra, but Billie herself (this is most noticeable during the bows when McDonald is able to be her gracious self). Starting the production only slightly tipsy and spiralling into out-and-out drunk, McDonald achieves something that is intrinsically difficult for anyone; drunk acting. Not only does she succeed in this but she maintains it for a full 90 minutes, not once breaking character and somehow remaining an incredibly loveable. The story is steered by pianist Becton who interjects the narrative, usually with music, to provide just the right ratio of storyline and song.
On-stage seating is becoming something more and more popular throughout the West End, and no-where is it more fitting than here. The interaction between McDonald and the audience is truly fantastic; she regularly sits next to an audience member, rests a hand on them or gives them her drink to hold and includes them in the storyline – one particular moment a man had to leap up and save her from falling down the steps (I’m not sure if this was meant to happen or if it was just pure good instincts). Just being in the same room as Broadway Royalty was enough, but actually interacting with her in this way is what makes this show so special.
A review of this show wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Audra McDonald’s wonderful singing voice; as soon as she begins the audience is captivated. This captivation lasts for the rest of the performance and has continued to stay with me long since. The show features songs such as ‘God Bless the Child’, ‘Strange Fruit’, ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do’ and ‘Crazy He Calls Me’ and the likeness between McDonald’s voice and that of Holiday’s is truly amazing.
This production really is something magical to witness and I am so lucky to have been able to be there. The audience were in tears at the end of the show purely from sheer awe of this amazing story, amazing musicians and the powerhouse that is Audra McDonald; I cannot put into words the atmosphere within the theatre and the overwhelming feeling of simply being in the same room as Audra McDonald; I would absolutely recommend this five star musical to anyone who is able to go – you definitely will not be disappointed!
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