Exclusive! Five-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald to Sing the Blues on Broadway as Billie Holiday in Lady Day

Lady is gonna sing the blues! Before her rumored role opposite Oprah, five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald is prepping to return to the Great White Way this season as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. Although no official announcement has been made, Broadway.com has learned the play is expected to play at the Circle in the Square Theatre, which will be vacated by Bronx Bombers on March 2.

One of Broadway's top stars, McDonald has won Tony Awards in the categories of Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Porgy and Bess), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Ragtime, Carousel) and Best Featured Actress in a Play (A Raisin in the Sun, Master Class). Since Lady Day is typically billed as a play with music, this engagement could give her the opportunity to round out her wins with a trophy in the category of Best Leading Actress in a Play. A sixth win would make Audra the most honored actress in Broadway history!

Lanie Robertson's bio-show about Holiday debuted off-Broadway in 1986 starring Lonette McKee and has been produced around the country and internationally ever since. Tony and Grammy winner Dee Dee Bridgewater starred in a production of Lady Day off-Broadway which closed earlier this year.

A full evening of McDonald singing the blues? Consider us jazzed.