A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

playwright: Randy Johnson
director: Randy Johnson
musical director: Mark Berman
costumes: Amy Clark
sound: Ben Selke
projections: Darrel Maloney
wigs/hair: Leah Loukas
production stage manager: Hethyr Verhoef
cast: Mary Bridget Davies, Cicily Daniels, Tawny Dolley, Kelly McIntyre, Q. Smith, Jennifer Leigh Warren

A Janis Joplin concert, near the end of her life, with Janis recalling some of the singers and songs that inspired her, with those characters (Bessie Smith, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Chantel, et al) making an appearance to sing their songs.

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This was an absolutely AMAZING evening of theatre/music!

The show feels a LOT like an actual concert - a feeling encouraged by the performers.  This created a sense of uncertainty in Minneapolis, Minnesota (where I saw this show) as Minnesotans are typically very reserved.  But credit to the performers to get the audience on their feet and cheering as though they were at a rock concert.

Much has been said and written about Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin and I'll simply echo the raves.  She is truly outstanding, and the energy she shares on stage is electric.

But what isn't written about much is how remarkable the rest of the cast is.  Cecily Daniels as Bessie Smith knocked my socks off!  Tawny Dolley's Etta James absolutely rocked, and Q. Smith as Aretha Franklin brought the house down.  This was a complete group effort.

My wife and I had house seats and it really was like being at a Janis Joplin rock concert, which made it feel like seeing a play and going to a concert all rolled into one.  Is there a better way to spend an evening?

If this show is coming to your town, you should do yourself a favor and go see it.