Billie! Backstage with Lady Day at Oceanside Theatre Company

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2. Billie! Backstage with Lady Day

Playwright, actress, and singer Synthia L. Hardy performs in Billie! Backstage with Lady Day at the historic Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside. Performances will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 23 to October 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. The two-act play, written by Synthia L. Hardy and directed by Bryan Rasmussen, which premiered at The Whitefire Theater in 2010 and has enjoyed annual encore performances in Los Angeles, combines storytelling and song to capture the essence of Billie Holidays music and life. In the first act, Holiday prepares for her show while answering the questions of two unseen reporters. Hardy as Holiday entwines her biography and explanations of the inspiration for and history of her music with performances of her popular numbers. Musician Woody Woods joins Hardy on stage as Holidays pianist accompanying her through hits including the haunting Strange Fruit, as well as God Bless the Child, Good Morning Heartache, and Lover Man. One of the greatest jazz and blues performers of all time, Holiday unfolds the truth about her turbulent life - combating racism, navigating abusive relationships, and enduring multiple arrests.