Saturday, September 5^th, I had the pleasure of attending John Dayo-Aliya’s newest play at the Balch Street Theatre. BLUE, Miss Billie is a compelling story about one of the most influential yet tortured jazz singers to ever grace the stage. Billie Holiday spent her life battling her demons, bad relationships, and a drug and alcohol addiction that eventually led to her death in 1959.

By interweaving two timelines through the character Fred, a journalist obsessed with Holiday, Dayo-Aliya creates a narrative that plays with this idea of sacrificing ones self for their art and how that affects their relationships with those around them. Each of the eight cast members had a specific purpose that moved the story along. Caorl Eutsey, who played Billie, beautifully moved the audience through scenes that were tough to swallow.

I enjoyed the way the set was not just contained to the stage. It helped bring the audience into the story and made us more than just spectators. Dayo-Aliya continues to effectively hit the mark when it comes to meeting Ma’Sue’s mission of exploring and celebrating the African American experience.

You still have a chance to catch the play before it’s gone. There are three more show times, Friday, September 11^th at 8pm and Saturday, September 12^th at 2pm and 8pm. Balch Street Theatre is located at 220 S. Balch St. Akron, OH 44302. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Find out more here.

Thanks for reading,