FREEPORT — The Freeport Factory Stage will premiere the soulful production of “Lady Day” on Thursday, March 29, at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Featured will be jazz singer Mardra Thomas as Billie Holiday, with local musician Flash Allen at the piano.

“Lady Day” is a fictional account of Billie Holiday’s final appearance at a seedy night club in Philadelphia, only four months before her death at age 44. The play, written by Lainie Robertson, was originally produced in 1989, and has been performed in regional theaters for the past 20 years.

Known for her realistic portrayal of Holiday in concert and on the theatrical stage, Thomas has a voice well suited to showcase Holiday’s sculptured phrasing, which stamped a signature style on jazz singing.

Thomas’ musical career was sparked in the St. Louis area when she performed for the opening of Dizzy Gillespie’s 70th birthday concert. Shortly thereafter, she found herself trading scat solos with world-class trumpeter Clark Terry while performing with the East St. Louis Lincoln Big Band. For five years, she was resident vocalist for the St. Louis Sheldon Concert Hall’s youth education program.

Her sultry voice can be heard in radio and TV spots, and on such CD recordings as “Fade To Blue” and “Standard Times, and as the Flying Jazz Kitten on Sharon Burch’s recently released “Freddie the Frog” music educational book/CD series.

“Lady Day” will run through April 14 with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Thursday performances are pay what you want. Tickets for other shows are $19/$15 seniors and students with ID. For reservations, call 865-5505 or visit www.freeportfactory.com.