By Lanie Robertson. The incomparable Denise Lee makes her CTD debut as Billie Holiday in this fictionalized re-imagining of one of the great jazz singer’s final concerts at a South Philadelphia night club in 1959. For this production, CTD will be transformed into an environment both seductive and eerie, glamorous and gritty.

Through songs and monologues, we learn about Billie Holiday's life, loves, art, and devastating addiction to heroin. Audiences will simultaneously revel in her spellbinding talent, feel her rage and pain, and sense the approach of her tragjc downfall. Widely praised director and performer Phyllis Cicero makes her CTD debut as director. Ms. Lee will be backed by a jazz trio led by Joe Rogers, acclaimed musical director of Jubilee Theatre, who’s not only making his CTD debut, but performing in his first Dallas theater production.

This unique musical play features songs by various composers and lyricists including Bob Russell, Arthur Herzog Jr., Wesley Wilson, Bessie Smith, Lewis Allan and Billie Holiday herself, with musical arrangements by Danny Holgate. The indelible songs include “God Bless the Child,” “Strange Fruit,” “Don’t Explain,” “T’aint Nobody’s Biz-ness” and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do.”

Pay-what-you-can preview on January 24. Purchase tickets online or by calling 214-828-0094.

Information from theater company's site