Theater News

Does Your Dog Have What It Takes to Star With Five-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald?

The Broadway premiere of ”Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” could be just the breakout moment little Killer has been waiting for.

Five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, who will star as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre, poses with a couple of lucky pups at a Broadway Barks event.

(© Tristan Fuge)

Last season, there was an abundance of happy children and fluffy pets on Broadway. This season has had a more serious tone, with plays about murder and musicals about infidelity. Fortunately, for those of us missing the good old days, the upcoming Broadway production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill is putting a bit of tail wiggle back in the proceedings.

The show's producers are calling for submissions for a small dog to be cast in the musical play. Callbacks will take place live on March 11 at Circle in the Square Theatre. The show's star, five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, and animal trainer Bill Berloni will judge the selected finalists.

If you think Fido has the right stuff, send a clear photo of him or her, as well as a description of size and temperament to LadyDayDogAuditions@gmail.com by 10am on March 10. According to the production, "Ideal candidates are dogs weighing 15 pounds or less, that get along well with people and other animals, and enjoy being held."
Finalists will be notified and invited to the March 11 final callback with a written confirmation.

Set in 1959 in a seedy Philadelphia bar, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill relives Billie Holiday's last performance, which took place four months before her death at age 44. The show's musical numbers include "God Bless the Child," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," "Strange Fruit," and "Taint Nobody's Biz-ness." The production made its New York debut off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in 1986 and has since gone on to tour the world.

Tony nominee Lonny Price will direct the musical play, which begins previews March 25 at the Circle in the Square Theatre. The engagement is strictly limited to 10 weeks with 70 performances. Opening night is set for April 13.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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