Local artist Karole Foreman returns to Cygnet as jazz icon Billie Holiday

By Gina Yarbrough

San Diego, CA–San Diego native Karole Foreman brings jazz icon Billie Holiday to life in a one-act musical in Cygnet Theatre production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” by Lanie Robertson. 

The musical is directed by Wren T. Brown, the artistic director at Ebony Repertory Theatre. 

“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” recounts Billie Holiday’s life story through the songs that made her famous. In 1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime. Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time shares her loves and her losses.

Before performing the role of Holiday, Foreman has graced the Cygnet stage in “A Little Night Music” and “Stupid F**king Bird.” 

“I am looking forward to coming home to San Diego and to Cygnet Theatre to perform Lady Day. It’s been a profound opportunity to share Billie Holiday’s story with so many audiences, but I am particularly excited to be here in my hometown with this production,” Foreman said. “ I also feel honored to be able to be a part of Cygnet’s final season in Old Town. It feels like a full circle moment.”

Cygnet Artistic Director Sean Murray included “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” in the theatre’s Season 20 lineup. 

 “I’ve been dreaming of bringing Karole’s performance as the jazz legend Billie Holiday to our audience and to San Diego for some time. She has dazzled in this role since she debuted in Los Angeles, and subsequently throughout the country for a couple of years now,” Murray said. “Karole is one of Cygnet’s favorite performers and we are thrilled to share her take on Billie with San Diego. “

Foreman’s stage performance will be accompanied by Damon Carter on piano as Jimmy Powers. Carter is also the musical director for the show.

The creative team for Cygnet’s production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” includes original scenic design by Edward E. Haynes Jr., with Mathys Herbert as associate scenic designer. Sound design is by Evan Eason, lighting design by Donna Ruzika, costume design by Kimberly DeShazo, wig and makeup design by Peter Herman, and stage management by Craig Campbell.

Tickets can be purchased at the Cygnet Theatre box office at 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego Old Town Historic State Park,  by calling (619) 337-1525, or by visiting cygnettheatre.com. Regular ticket prices start at $39.