"A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN"
In the literal sense, I saw Janis Joplin perform at The Pasadena Playhouse. Her spirit, soul and presence emanated thru Mary Bridget Davies. Mary's performance was Phenomenal and filled with passion in every mannerism. If you closed your eyes and listened to her pelt out "Piece of My Heart", "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Cry Baby" just to name a few from the list of songs, I guarantee you would not believe the magical likeness. Mary not only has a low whispering husky voice with the vocal range to match Janis', but undoubtably she could be her mirror image.
The Broadway show told Janis' life story starting from her childhood. Mary Davies sits in a beautiful victorian chair that is placed on stage left next to a table and lamp telling stories of Janis' introduction to music through her mothers passion of musicals. Janis' first art drawings were shown on the overhead movie screen backdrop and her musical inspirations were revealed. Some of Janis's influences included The Chantels, Odetta, Bessie Smith and Aretha Franklin.
The lights would dim and her stories came to life in song with the accompaniment of a talented list of women portraying her influences, i.e. Yvette Cason impersonating Nina Simone/Aretha Franklin, while Sylvia MacCalla acted out Bessie Smith/Odetta. "Joplinaires" included Jenelle Lynn Randall as Etta James and Sharon Catherine Brown sang significant blues songs.
Janis knew at a young age she wanted nothing more than to become a blues singer. She was moved and inspired by these soulful ladies, and even though being Caucasian and coming from a middle-class upbringing Janis felt the blues in her soul. She passed up college and living the normal life to pursue her passion and dreams. Janis struggled within until she finally found her own unique style and discovered Big Brother and The Holding Company.
"A Night With Janis Joplin" is Brilliant in every aspect from cast, costume, choreography to the magnificent eight piece backing band. The 60's is recreated to connect you so closely to Janis, her life and inspirations that it is haunting.
I found myself wanting to stand up, dance, sing along and move up front close to the stage. This is not a sit down event, yet everyone was sitting at the Playhouse. I felt perplexed as to not disturb the show, but everytime Mary and the ladies sang I felt myself chair dancing, clapping and whistling at the end of every song. I was overjoyed that finally someone stood up during "Piece of My Heart" in act one, as this was the opening for the rest of us to Rock Out from that point on.
I was brought to tears, laughter and downright celebration for a woman that was so talented and gave so much of herself, yet left us too soon. Janis is a legend and her music, inspiration and fashion is timeless.
This is a must see Broadway show!!
The Pasadena Playhouse has extended "A Night With Janis Joplin" thru August 23rd.
As an added bonus to having been asked to cover the above play, we were also invited to come out to a special "Woodstock Celebration" at the playhouse where Kaycee Clanton took the stage to perform a 15-20 minute set straight from Janis' set at Woodstock. Here she is performing 'Me and Bobby McGee.'