HBO to Air Audra McDonald's Tony-Winning Performance as Billie Holiday


This year, Audra McDonald made history after winning her 6th Tony Award for her performance in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" (See some of her performance here) and becoming the winningest actress in Broadway history. She also became the first person to receive awards in all four acting categories.

Now the performance that put her in the history books will air on HBO. The performance will be recorded at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans this month.



"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" tells the story of Billie Holiday's life through her most renowned songs.

"The great Audra McDonald's brilliant performance as the legendary Billie Holiday was a Broadway landmark," said Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. "I'm thrilled that we will be able to bring this riveting show to viewers who weren't able to experience it in person."

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL will be directed by Lonny Price, who also directed the Broadway production, and produced by Allen Newman and Two Hands Entertainment.


Kimberly Foster is the founder and editor of For Harriet. Email or