Billie! Backstage with Lady Day

The NAACP award-winning musical BILLIE! BACKSTAGE WITH LADY DAY written by and starring the incomparable Synthia L. Hardy, directed by Bryan Rasmussen and Musical Director Lanny Hartley as the “Piano Man”.

This award-winning production takes you back to an era where the joints were jumping and Hollywood was hopping. BILLIE! is a musically haunting, unpredictable journey into the winding road of love, joy, blues, racism, and astounding hit songs that tell the story of the amazing Billie Holiday. Actor-singer-playwright Synthia L. Hardy brings the story of Billie Holiday to vibrant life in this unforgettable musical featuring some of the 20th Century greatest hits, including “God Bless the Child”, “Strange Fruit”, “Good Morning Heartache”, and “Lover Man”.

"..Hardy recreates Holiday's breathy swoopy singing style..."

-San Diego Union-Tribune

"...Hardy is a dynamo, with a sparkling yet demure stage presence, in her own right, realistically conveys Holiday’s glamorous aura ..."

-Talucan Times

The show's first act sees Hardy as Holiday preparing for a concert, intertwining Holiday's biography with performances of her popular numbers. Accompanied by legendary piano player Laney Hartley, the audience is treated to hits such as "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," "Good Morning Heartache," and "Lover Man."

In the second act, joined by three more local musicians, Synthia L. Hardy embodies Lady Day in a concert featuring hits like "Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do," "Willow," and "Weep for Me." Through her remarkable voice reminiscent of Holiday’s, Hardy portrays the iconic artist as simultaneously classy and tough, vulnerable and versatile, offering a powerful and moving experience.

Tickets: www.billiebackstage.com

Show Times

Location and Parking Information

The Black Box Theater is located on the second floor of the West Sacramento Community Center.
Both the parking lot and building entrance are easily accessible through the Turner Public Library parking lot entrance on Merkley Ave.

Arthur F. Turner Community Library
1212 Merkley Ave, West Sacramento, CA 95691

When you are in the parking lot, keep right until you see the blue and orange 3-story building and available parking.

Visit the Black Box Theater page for more information about its amenities.